{The youth should stand up and be tough against crime and also fight for the right of vulnerable groups like the elderly and widows against malpractices committed by some members of the community including leaders. }
The message was delivered on December 29, by Minister of Local Government, Francis Kaboneka, during the closure of a ten-day training workshop for Youth Volunteers in Crime Prevention conducted in Musanze at the National Police College.
The training was held under the theme “Together in Crime Prevention” and was the second intake of its kind, attracting 3014 Rwandan youth from across the country.
In his address to the youth, Minister Kaboneka, said that much as a lot has been attained in terms of security in the country, there are still crimes committed under the eye of the public and the youth in particular, which are not reported.
“Young people, as the future of Rwanda, must jealously protect the country’s achievements – and this can can’t be done if the youth look on while crimes are being committed,” Minister Kaboneka said.
He further noted that the government has implemented good programs like Vision2020 Umurenge Progamme (VUP) and Mitulle De Sante, which sometimes do not reach the beneficiaries because bad leaders misuse them.
“These government programs are working very well in very many areas; however, in some others you find that they are being misused. Instead of providing these services to the people intended, some leaders give them to other people or exploit the poor asking for money,” Kaboneka said.
“The youth know some of these things are happening but are afraid to speak out. In order to contribute positively to development, they youth cannot afford to look on us venerable people are cheated. They must stand out against these local leaders and report them to Police and other concerned authorities.”
Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, congratulated the youth upon completing the special training and urged them to be agents of change in society by shunning a life of crime but heeding to the betterment of their lives and country.
“You must use the skills and knowledge you have acquired to contribute to the safety of your country. You must know the types of crimes committed, such as gender-based-violence, drug abuse and human trafficking and have the right channels through which you can report and prevent them,” Gasana said.
“Have a vision that directs you, and core values that protect your integrity and safeguard the image of Rwanda. The skills and knowledge you have must be used positively so that you can be a model to fellow youths and countrymen.”
Minister of Internal Sector, Musa Fazil Harerimana, advised the youth to put nation ahead of personal interests, reminding them that the country has achieved so much in a short time because of sacrifices made by patriotic leaders.
“You must learn to sacrifice. You should endeavor to make a mark for your class so that the next youth volunteers see you as role models for doing what is good in society. If any of you wants to put their selfish interests ahead of the country’s development, they should think twice and do the right thing.”
One of the youth volunteers, Joseph Munyaneza, 25, thanked RNP for conducting the training and vowed to steer his fellow youth towards a crime-free life.
The first intake of the training ended in September having attracted 300 youth. During their ten-day stay at the National Police College, the youth learn a variety of subjects including, crime prevention, patriotic studies and entrepreneurship, among others.
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