{Senior Rwanda National Police (RNP) officers, yesterday spent quality time with over 100 children from Gahara Sector of Kirehe District and shared a light moment that was marked with different interactive activities including gifts to the children.}
The children who form Itorero Imitavu group are famously known for their rich poetic literatures and songs which they have used to influence their communities in advancing community policing initiatives.
During the colourful event that was mainly characterised by poetry, music and dance, the Police equipped each child with a backpack containing exercise books and pens as motivation to encourage them to focus and perform better in school.
The day-long interaction between the police and the children also aligned with celebrating the new year, presided over by the District Mayor Gerald Muzungu who was flanked by the Commissioner for Community Policing, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Celestin Twahirwa.
Present was also the Eastern Region Police Commander, ACP Dismas Rutaganira, Deputy Police Spokesperson Chief Supt. Lynder Nkuranga and the Deputy Commissioner for Community Policing Chief Supt. Rose Muhisoni, among others.
It was also attended by local leaders and parents of the children.
“We are very grateful to RNP for keeping closer to the people. These children are a clear example that the upcoming generations will be made up of Rwandans who are committed to having a secure nation,” said Mayor Muzungu.
He added that through programmes like community policing, residents of Kirehe have understood their role in keeping their communities safe and secure.
“As a border district, we are committed to enhance our partnership with RNP in crime prevention,” he said.
Itorero Imitavu that started in 2010 has over 120 children ranging from those who are in elementary school with the oldest in senior two.
Speaking at the event, ACP Twahirwa hailed the children’s efforts in rallying for public safety and urged them to keep up the spirit.
“The year 2016 was a good year but 2017 is going to be much better. We are taking our partnership to a much higher level…you stand out as patriots. We want children across the country to emulate you,” the commissioner told the children.
In motivating the children, ACP Twahirwa told them that, “You are taking the right course of life. The future of our country is in your hands. Be extemporary citizens.”
One of the parents who attended the event, Callixte Rugerinyange poured out his gratitude to the police.
“Out of your busy schedule and very demanding responsibilities, you still spared time to come spend a day with our children. This is an indication that our children are growing up with a clear understanding of their rights, what a crime is, how to prevent it and report it.”
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