Members of Umurage Patriotism Club from Excella School have raised Rwf100,000 to support needy pupils from the community in the vicinity of their school.

The funds will be spent on purchasing scholastic materials including books, pens, pencils and bags, among others, for P6 leavers. A total 12 pupils will benefit from the support.

The relief was announced by members of Umurage Patriotism club, on Saturday, during the monthly community service – Umuganda - where they joined the residents of Matware village, Masoro cell, Ndera sector in Gasabo district.

Phocus Ntwali Donald, the president of the club, explained that their mission is to make a significant contribution to government programmes.

"We sat down as a team of students and thought of how we can bring a significant impact in the community. Besides our studies; we committed to playing a part in the government programmes by fighting old perceptions that youth are lazy. We want to create trust from our leaders by showing them that once they are no longer in leadership, we shall be able to take over these responsibilities,” he said.

Ntwali added that no matter how little pocket money they got, they had committed to give out some of it so that they raise funds to support their needy colleagues.

Kenny Ingabire, a S5 student, said since her childhood she has had the urge to support the country’s development agenda.

"Loving my country dignifies me as a female. I joined the Umurage Patriotism Club to encourage my fellow students to work together to grow the nation,” she said.

Glodie Ngendahimana, a S6 student, said the young generation ought to be patriotic and dedicate their knowledge and efforts to the development of the country.

Jean Damascene Manirareba, a local leader of Matwaro village, welcomed the support saying the commitment of the students gives the country hope for a bright future.

"It is an outstanding action to see students contributing funds from their pocket money to support the community. It is an outstanding gesture we should be proud of as the country,” he said.

Manirareba called upon the youth to be active in government programmes.

Umurage Patriotism Club was created in May and so far has 20 members aged between 12 and 21.