{Rwanda National Police (RNP) continues its countrywide awareness programme against crimes with special focus on the youth in schools, casual workers and the working class, among others.}
On June 18, the Commissioner for Community Policing in RNP, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Damas Gatare alongside ACP Francis Nkwaya, the Southern Regional Police Commander, met with over 840 youth drawn from different parts of the country and currently undertaking civic education in a youth camp at University of Rwanda in Huye District.
The youth were urged to take a lead in crime prevention.
In his address to the youths, ACP Gatare said; “As a nation, we have achieved a lot in line with ensuring security and safety, people of Rwanda are safe, happy and living in harmony. However, we all have a mandate of ensuring that the security we enjoy today is preserved and strengthened, that’s why your role as the youth is very crucial.”
He outlined drug abuse, child abuse, gender based violence and human trafficking as high impact crimes they should give focus.
ACP Nkwaya reminded the youth that they constitute a bigger percentage of the Rwandan population meaning they can influence a change in the society.
“You have the ability to fight these crimes and influence a positive change in your communities. RNP will always be around to work with you and respond whenever you suspect or witness a crime and inform the police,” said ACP Nkwaya.
Elsewhere, a similar awareness campaign was held in Ngoma District where Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Rose Muhisoni sensitized about 2000 students from seven schools, commercial motorcyclists, cyclists and members of youth volunteers in community policing.
CSP Muhisoni also dwelt most on the need to protect children’s rights and how youths can contribute to fighting any form of abuse directed to children.
“If children are raised in a house with drug and alcohol issues, it is more likely they will have drug and alcohol related problems in their future. If they are raised in an abusive house, there is a likelihood that it may affect their personality and process of growing up,” she said.
She also spoke at length about the role of women and youth in social development.
One of the students of IPRC East, Jacqueline Mukarugamba, who is also a member of “Urumuri Women’s Club” at the college, thanked Rwanda National Police for the knowledge they acquired and rallied her male colleagues to sign up for the on going HeForShe campaign.
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