By Eugene Kwibuka
President Paul Kagame says young people can contribute to nation building by knowing who they are and what they want to achieve for themselves and their respective communities.
The Head of State delivered the message while officiating at the closure of the ninth edition of civic education training (Itorero) for students at Gabiro School of Infantry in the Eastern Province’s Gatsibo District.
Dubbed Indangamirwa, the course brings together Rwandan youth studying abroad and the best performing secondary school students in Rwanda getting ready to join university.
Itorero Indangamirwa began in 2008 with yesterday’s group marking the 9th intake with 345 students, including 170 boys and 175 girls.
President Kagame encouraged the youth to seize the opportunity to play their role.
“There are some who when called to contribute, would rather look for excuses. Do not run away from playing your role. It is never too late to contribute. Contributing starts with knowing who and what you want to be and doing it with purpose. Let us all leave here with the determination to build our country,” Kagame said.
Highlighting the importance of Itorero in instilling in youth the right kind of values, the President said getting an education does not only mean acquiring skills in school but also good culture and values.
“Itorero has taught you to know what adds value to your lives. It all starts with you and what you want to be. You may say that you want to study and acquire skills but you also have to think about how you will use the skills. Whether you are an engineer or a doctor, you also need to have a sense of humanity, a purpose and a belief in contributing to your community,” he said.
The young intore, as the trainees are commonly called, learnt about the country’s history, past and present Rwandan culture and values, critical thinking, recent socio-economic development and the values that are shaping Rwanda’s future.
The training also involved light military drills and parade, practical mind games and quiz as well as traditional dances.
Itorero trainings have increased awareness and interest among the Rwandan youth in matters concerning their country.
Jolie Claudette Iramfasha, who spoke on behalf of other students at the event, said the participating youth pledged, among others, to promote unity among Rwandans, teach Rwandan values and language to others and fight drug abuse and human trafficking among other challenges facing the youth.
Kagame told the youth that the country’s life depends on their behaviours and promised them that Indangamirwa courses in the future will be strengthened to include more people and life skills training.
