Senior Six leavers urged to uphold cultural values

At least 54,000 students who completed secondary and vocational training education have concluded a one-week civic education course organised by National Itorero Commission.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016
The civic education trainees during the closing ceremony in Kicukiro, on Tuesday. (F. Byumvuhore)

At least 54,000 students who completed secondary and vocational training education have concluded a one-week civic education course organised by National Itorero Commission.

The students attended the training at 148 sites in districts across the country.

Participants included 27,000 girls.

Closing the training at EFOTEC Kanombe, on Tuesday for students from Kicukiro District, the chairperson of the National Itorero Commission, Boniface Rucagu, told the trainees to spread the knowledge gained to residents in their respective communities for transformation.

"You are capable of transforming Rwanda but this is only possible if cultural values are upheld. You are the strengths, resource and vision of the country. You should appreciate the country’s efforts to prepare your future,” he said.

Students attending the civic education training pose for a group photo at the closure of Itorero.

Noting that the youth had acquired a lot of knowledge during the training, Rucagu urged them to help one another and be patriotic.

He urged the students to work together during the upcoming national service during which they will be engaged in various activities such as awareness campaigns on development projects, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, gender equality, family planning, literacy education and community work.

Paul Jules Ndamage, the Mayor of Kicukiro District, noted that the country invests much in young generation to strengthen their ability.

"You are now aware of several government policies. Apply the acquired leadership skills and knowledge in the development agenda as future leaders, mothers and fathers,” he said.

"The lessons you learned from civic education should be practiced during national service. These activities play a great role in building the country.”

Students attending the civic education training during the closing ceremony. (Photos by F. Byumvuhore)

Audrey Igitego, a trainee from Gashora Girls School, said they had gained knowledge on patriotism and how to strive for self- reliance.

Elie Seba, a trainee from GS Gahini, said they would use the acquired knowledge to help foster unity and patriotism among their peers.

The trainees signed performance contracts committing to accomplish certain tasks during national service scheduled to start next month.

These include helping vulnerable families, sensitising the community on development policies, conducting literate education and training people on online based services, among others.

Civic education is organised to promote unity, patriotism and positive values such as hard work.

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