Minister of Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, challenged youth to have a specific duty to safeguard the peace and development that Rwanda has achieved by promoting patriotism and unity in their communities.
Harerimana was speaking at Nkumba Ubutore Training Center while officially opening the third intake of the Youth Volunteers in Crime Prevention that attracted over 500 members of “Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Crime Prevention”, of whom 127 are female.
This number also includes over 180 police reserve force from various districts.
The training was also graced by the IGP Emmanuel K. Gasana, the chairman of National Itorero Commission, Rucagu Boniface, Executive secretary of Northern Province, police commissioners, senior officers as well as local leaders from the district.
“The leadership of Rwanda has worked hard to ensure that peace, development and prosperity flourish throughout the country. These achievements must be safeguarded by patriotic young men and women who love their country,” Harerimana said.
“As agents of change, you must advise your fellow youth to shun from crime and sensitize your community about development program. You must embrace change with sustainability, ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge and skills that will enable you to fully contribute to your nation’s growth for better future.”
IGP Gasana commended the youth for their endeavour to preserve peace in the country by collaborating with Police through the provision of timely information to Police that has aided operations during crime prevention campaigns.
“No Rwandan should tolerate criminality in their communities. The youth have come out to denounce several crimes such as Gender based violence, drug abuse, trafficking Human beings and more – while many of them have alerted Police about suspects who conduct criminal activities in their neighborhoods. This is a positive practice that should continue,” he said.
One of the youth volunteers, Egidia Kangabe, 24, expressed gratitude for Rwandan leaders who continuously approach young Rwandans to teach them about patriotism and lawfulness.
“Young Rwandans should appreciate the fact that leaders come all the way to talk with us and help us understand our values as Rwandans. Today’s lessons were rich and as a young person, my duty is to put this into practice. I know many young people need these sensitizations and I will endeavour to be an ambassador of peace and lawfulness,” she said.
The Rwandan Youth Volunteers in crime Prevention is an organisation over 7, 000 young men and women countrywide including students, who support vulnerable communities by providing medical insurance, livestock and other needs.
They carry out crime prevention awareness programmes in schools and communities against drug abuse, corruption and gender-based-violence, among others.