Ninety members of the Diaspora will today start a one-week course to prepare them as instructors of the eighth edition of the Diaspora Itorero named Indangamirwa VIII.

This year’s training, which will bring together 500 students from the Diaspora, is scheduled for July 12 to August 2.

Briefing the trainers yesterday  at Amahoro National Stadium before departing for Gabiro Combat Training School in Gatsibo District, Dr. Célestin Ntivuguruzwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, said the students are a vital asset in Rwanda’s development.

"The registration for trainers was open to all who attended the previous sessions of the Diaspora Itorero. We wanted 60 volunteers, but 90 turned up. We also wanted 300 trainees for the Indangamirwa VIII, but now 500 are to start next Monday. We cannot deny them a chance since they voluntarily want to attend. They even offered to pay transport from their respective countries of residence,” he said.

Dr. Ntivuguruzwa urged the young trainers to attentively follow the lectures, which will be conducted by different people, including senior government officials, to guide them as they lead their colleagues.

"We expect you to offer a comprehensive training to your colleagues, helping them understand Rwandan values and what they need to lead this country to a better future. They live abroad in a multicultural environment,  but we need to empower them with Rwandan values and instill in them the spirit of the county’s ownership,” he said.

Michael Nyarwaya Shyaka, a PhD student in India, said after attending the seventh Diaspora Itorero, he became thirsty for more lessons and felt much indebted to his country.

"Each of these 90 youth participated in one of the previous seven sessions, but in this round, we are going to receive more lessons preparing us to train others. We benefited a lot from the previous Itorero. We have got a better understanding of Rwandan values and vision. We learn about the country’s development, security, investment opportunities and we take back to different countries the true story from the ground.

 Shyaka added that they were to meet all the requirements, including transport, for contributing to their country’s progress.

"The only motivation is the burning spirit within us, compelling us to contribute to our country’s development. We stay abroad, but we are indebted much to our home country and we have to play a role.  Voluntary work for only one month is nothing, but a little contribution,” he said.

Joyeuse Cyiza, who attended the sixth edition, said she is ready to share with the people in the Diaspora the lessons she previously acquired and those she is going to acquire over this week.

"We have clearly understood  the values, history and vision of our country. Many Rwandans out there tend to forget their native language, yet the language is the foundation of any culture. Itorero has revived our mother tongue and good conducts which set Rwandans, especially females, apart from many others. We are now better guardians of our culture and history,” she said.

Noting that Itorero for Diaspora youth is held annually, Cyiza urged members of the Diaspora who have not yet attended Itorero, not to miss the chance next year.