Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has said that preparing young people and building a better future for them is one of the key responsibilities prioritized by the government.
The Prime Minister was speaking on Monday as he officially closed the 40-day Itorero programme held at the Gabiro Military Training Centre. He thanked parents who sent their children to the programme, the trainers, the Gabiro Training Centre for hosting the participants, and everyone else who contributed to its success.
Dr. Nsengiyumva told the young graduates that they have many opportunities to make the most of, but warned that they will also face distractions and temptations, urging them to make wise choices.
“There are many opportunities for young people like you to take advantage of, but I also want to remind you that there will be many distractions and temptations. You will often find that doing the right thing seems difficult, but that is where your values and integrity will be demonstrated,” he said.
The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Bizimana Jean Damascène, said this year’s edition had 300 more participants than the previous edition held at Nkumba two years ago.
He said the government hopes to increase the number of participants to 800 next year.
The 16th edition of Itorero Indangamirwa brought together 769 participants, including 315 young women and 454 young men. They underwent training at the Gabiro Military Training Centre in Gatsibo District, where they were taught various subjects, including improving their Kinyarwanda language skills, Rwandan cultural values and taboos, shooting and other basic military skills.
The participants included representatives from different groups, including Rwandans living or studying abroad, students from international secondary schools, university students, and those who performed well during the 13th edition of Inkomezabigwi civic service.
Since President Paul Kagame launched Itorero Indangamirwa in 2008, a total of 5,985 young people have undergone the programme.
Photos by RBA
