Grassroots leaders and residents across the country have been called on to closely collaborate with Senior Six leavers undertaking their national service, locally known as “Urugerero”.
Grassroots leaders and residents across the country have been called on to closely collaborate with Senior Six leavers undertaking their national service, locally known as "Urugerero”.
Boniface Rucagu, the chairperson of the National Itorero Commission, delivered the message during the official launch of the latest round of national service, yesterday, in Rubaya sector, Gicumbi District for Senior Six leavers.
During the six-month service, scheduled to end in June, the students in different parts of the country will work on activities they committed to do during their previous civic education training.
The activities include; participating in discussions related to the 22nd Genocide commemoration, supporting the needy, planting trees, sensitisation on sanitation, family planning, drug abuse, and health insurance programmes.
The students will also conduct literacy education, participate in community services like Umuganda, and train people on how to access online government services, especially the Irembo platform.
Other activities could be particular depending on the location and the necessity within the sectors.
Speaking to The New Times, Rucagu said the young generation should work together with communities in development activities.
"Youth need to embrace patriotism and the notion of self-reliance. Leaders and local residents should be supportive for the students to accomplish their tasks. The planned activities are essential to the improvement of people’s welfare,” Rucagu said.
About 54,000 Senior Six leavers are participating in the national service.
Vedaste Nsabimana, the executive secretary of Remera Sector in Gasabo District, said national service gives an opportunity to the youth from schools to learn community roles.
"Local leaders will play their part by planning and executing activities. Leaders will list the needy people, provide materials to students and brief residents on the service and its contribution to the improvement of their welfare and the development of the country,” said Nsabimana.
Gaspard Gasirabo, the executive secretary of Rilima Sector, Bugesera District also urged parents to be supportive.
Aline Ineza, a participant in Remera, said they were ready to make their contribution in planned activities that are designed to help accelerate the development of the county.
She appealed to local leaders to inform the community about their services to ensure acceptance.
Serge Kagame, another student, said national service should be everyone’s duty as it helps young generations to bring their forces together to build the country.
National service programme is part of broader national efforts to design homegrown solutions to the country’s challenges.
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