{The first ever national congress for Youth Volunteers in Community Policing(YVCP) convened on March 4 at Petit Stadium during which the former mayor of Rulindo District, Justus Kangwagye was appointed its National Coordinator.}
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Damas Gatare, Commissioner for Community Policing in Rwanda National Police (RNP), will also double as the vice coordinator in charge of Operations and Training.
Other national level appointments include eight commissioners tasked with training, social affairs, education, sports and culture and gender, among others.
The organization composed of about 20, 000 members currently, who include secondary and university students, and those who have so far graduated, was created in 2013 by the youth themselves with an aim of contributing to the socio transformation by fighting and preventing crimes in partnership with police and local authorities.
The congress was presided over by the Minister of Local Government, Francis Kaboneka and graced by the Permanent Secretaries; Ambassador Valens Munyabagisha of the Ministry of Internal Security and Rosemary Mbabazi of the Ministry of Youth and ICT.
Minister Kaboneka emphasized the impact of the Youth Volunteers in Community Policing in the past three years of its existence, singling out “strong and result oriented partnership with security organs” as one of the “commendable achievements” that improved security.
“You play a major role in national development, you have the ability to shape the society; your commitment as Youth Volunteers in Community Policing is of a high importance to Rwandans and your country values that,” said the Minister.
He dwelt on the Rwandan history saying 22 years ago, a certain section of youth invested their efforts in killings and destroying the country.
“Another section of youth stood up against this, they stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi, rebuilt the country to what it is today. The foundation laid out by this section of youth is what is guiding our country today, you should hold onto it.”
He went on to say that this demonstrates how the youth is very important in the national transformation process if it is put to good like this commitment you choose of preventing and fighting crime.
“You are all winners and that’s why you should remain in the same path and play a major role in national development. Remember you are the bridge to Rwanda’s development, which cannot be achieved when there is no peace and security; that’s why your commitment to crime prevention is of great importance to Rwanda.”
The youth adopted eight resolutions at the end of the congress, resolving to work with all institutions to realize all government programmes, increase the number of members to at least one million by the end of 2020 and build their structure down to the village level, among others.
Speaking at the closure of the congress, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana thanked the YVCP for their partnership and commitment in crime prevention, he also pledged RNP commitment to support them.
“No doubt, that with cooperation we can collectively reduce the crime rates significantly, and this is why we must focus more on prevention and your commitment to effectively achieve it is paramount.
He added: “You should always be driven by patriotism, discipline, integrity and be exemplary in your communities.”
In a separate interview, Kangwagye said the youth organization has supported vulnerable families through community works, among other community development engagements.
“They have championed the formation of anti-crime clubs in schools and in different categories of youth, partnered with RNP and government institutions in anti-GBV and drug abuse campaigns,” Kangwagye said.
Leave a Reply