Over a thousand youths from Rwanda and eight other countries are camping at Nyamirambo’s Sainte Andre secondary school to discuss behavioral initiatives that can fight temptations threatening their future.
The camping was organized by the International Youth Forum (IYF) that has been operating in Rwanda for the past five years. It’s permanent secretary Blaze Nyiribakwe said that so far they have transformed many from “immoral behavior”.
“Most of the drug addicts counseled at the centre are progressing well and others have decided to become volunteers to assist others, especially their friends still involved in drug abuse,” he stressed.
Moreover, behavior change he emphasized is about encouraging the youth to exploit their talents rather than being idle during when many fall into temptations.
The weeklong camp will see participants take part in various activities meant to exploit their talents as a way strengthening the youth networks in the region.
According to Rwanda’s IYF public relations officer Peter Kiogothi, there will be sports, debate competition, performance and mind education which is similar to counseling.
“In sports we intend to have soccer, volleyball, athletics and many others, while in debate there will be topics based on the role of youth in developing their countries. Competitions on the other hand will be based on talent exploitation, singing, dancing and English speech contest.” Kiogothi said.
Serge Nzabonimpa, the advisor, ministry of youth urged participants to interact and share ideas highly meant to develop themselves.
“You should strive to learn from one another while strengthening the spirit of unity across the world if you want to achieve more,” he emphasised.
IYF has been organizing similar camps in other countries, especially during holiday seasons in order to discourage the youth from being tempted into corrupt behaviors.
Kiogothi further noted that participants are taught on Godly practices whose past fellowships helped a lot.
Jin Yudan and Miao Danying are university students from China attending the camp who noted that they expect to learn a lot from Rwandan culture and history and wished that local participants would open up and freely talk to them about the challenges there face.
“In terms of culture exchange we intend to train them how to be punctual because I’ve realized that the majority are late. This camp is about respect and courtesy towards each other,” Yudan said
After the camp, the teachings do not end rather they proceed in various clubs formed by IYF particularly in learning institutions.
“In Kigali we have formed clubs in over five secondary schools and higher learning institutions such as Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and the national university of Rwanda and so far there’s progress,” said Director of IYF Rwanda Chapter Bongjin ko.
“We conduct special language courses including English, Swahili, Korean and Chinese,” said Bongjin ko.
He further pointed out that the lessons also promote their communication skills, especially when interacting with other youth from foreign countries.
The Institute for Youth Fellowship which is ran by volunteers was founded by a South Korean pastor Ock Soo Park in 1990, to help mankind overcome some of the world’s temptation Challenges through strengthening their faith in God.
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