High School students from the Great Lakes Region have vowed to fight manipulation of all sorts that could lead to violence in their societies. They noted that opportunists often exploit poverty among the youth, and pledged to work hard for self-reliance.
High School students from the Great Lakes Region have vowed to fight manipulation of all sorts that could lead to violence in their societies.
They noted that opportunists often exploit poverty among the youth, and pledged to work hard for self-reliance.
The youth were speaking on Saturday at Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare (Indatwa n’Inkesha School) at the closing ceremony of a regional public speaking event, dubbed "Advancing our thoughts peacefully: Embracing a non–violent culture among the youth in the Great Lakes Region”.
From May 7 to 11, the eighteen high school students from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda participated in teambuilding exercises, intercultural exchange, and sessions that educate them on non-violent conflict resolution.
"We must fight against manipulation that is perpetrated by politicians for their own selfish interests.
‘‘In our Great Lakes Region, the youth have been manipulated and have ended up participating in acts of violence. The unemployed youth are the most prone to this manipulation,’’ said Bella Caraine Ingabire, from Rwanda.
Josse Busomoke, her counterpart from DR Congo, challenged the youth to work hard and fight idleness, which he said is the major catalyst for political manipulation.
"We have to embrace the culture of promoting peace and say no to any form of manipulation.
But we will achieve this if and only if we do not depend on anyone economically,” said Busomoke.
Dr Joseph Nkurunziza, the chairperson of ‘Never Again’ Rwanda, which organised the forum, said such an event is crucial in fostering a non-violence culture within in the region, especially among the youth.
‘‘Through that, we are able to mentor future generations; to shape them to become peaceful and active citizens,” he said.
After each presentation, students also exchanged ideas with around 500 students, teachers and community members who attended the event.
The Regional Public Speaking and Exchange is a five– day peace building event that annually brings together youth from the Great Lakes Region countries, with different backgrounds to foster lasting bonds between them and help them overcome stereotypes and prejudices that have led to conflicts in the region in the past.
editorial@newtimes.co.rw