Youth Volunteers in Community Policing hold second congress

{The second congress of Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing (RYVCP), convened yesterday at Amahoro National Stadium with about 1500 delegates representing over 60,000 members renewing their commitments geared towards using technology, particularly social media in crime prevention.}

The Congress drew high level government officials, including the Minister of Local Government, Francis Kaboneka, Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana.

It was also attended by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) Prof. Anastase Shyaka, the National Coordinator of RYVCP Justus Kangwagye, several government officials, Senior Police officers and all District Community Liaison Officers (DCLO) among others.

In his address to the youth, the Minister of local government said; “The leadership of this country is proud of your commitment in crime prevention; we encourage you keep up the spirit and even do better. Remember, the future of our country lies in your hands so make sure you shape it rightly.”

The Minister reminded the youth volunteers that “Rwanda was liberated by men and women of your age, who sacrificed a lot to stand up against evil” and challenged them to emulate this spirit of patriotism.

“The liberators of Rwanda were inspired by patriotism, they wanted a country that is safe for every citizen and they achieved it. In your quest of crime prevention, be inspired by the same spirit that inspired our liberators,” said Minister Kaboneka.

He reminded that the sacrifice they are making today will in the same way be legacy in future.

“Although you are in crime prevention, you should as well be encouraged by the fact that you are the primary beneficiary of a safer society; you are the pioneers of crime prevention – its something you should be proud of.”

Minister Nsengimana, on his part, spoke at length on how they can use technology in crime prevention.

He challenged them to create a forum where they can link with their peers in the Diaspora and also exploit social media in countering those who spread negative propaganda.

The ministers’ address to the youth shaped some of the congress resolutions.

They agreed to effectively you social media platform to advance crime prevention and Rwanda’s development agenda.

“Being youth is wealth and it comes with opportunities but to exploit those opportunities requires to be men and women of integrity…to achieve your ambition of crime prevention requires to understand the history of our country and be inspired by it.”

“When it comes to national security, we expect you to be brave, stand up and use all means possible to defend your nation – that way, you will be heroes. Remember heroism doesn’t always require someone to be armed, you can use all the means you have to serve your country and leave a legacy,” Minister Nsengimana said.

He reminded them that they have the ability to influence a positive change among their peers.

The youth also interacted with the Inspector General of Police, who reminded them that crime prevention is only successful when there is partnership and cooperation.

“As technology evolves so is crime, that’s why partnership is key in fighting contemporary crimes. You need to always acquire new skills in community policing and crime prevention…remember we are frequently required to double our efforts on this front of keeping our nation safe.”

IGP Gasana went on to say that Rwanda’s future is being shaped through unity, security and development and urged youth to keep in the same line.

“A lot was sacrificed in shaping Rwanda into a nation is it today and you should not give space for anyone to temper with what has been achieved,” the Police Chief said.

At the congress, several speakers equipped youth with knowledge of how best they can advance crime prevention and governance, including Prof Shyaka and the National Coordinator for RYVCP Kangwagye.

Youth resolved to increase the number of RYVCP members, fight contemporary crimes and forge new partnership to counter emerging security challenges.