Another cohort of Rwanda students from the Diaspora is once again attending a civic education training (Ingando). The idea came about some years ago, targeting local students who were about to join university.

There was need to instill in them a sense of patriotism driven by Rwandan values. They needed to be critical thinkers and knowing the country’s priorities, strengths and weaknesses, after all, they are the next crop of leaders.

The fact that it takes place in a military setting – complete with grueling drills ­– makes it all much more exiting. The physical endurance and intellectual capacity are tested to the maximum. By the end of the training, the students have discovered capacities they never knew they had.

Most importantly, everyone leaves the training centre with renewed vigour; they are physically fit and are roaring to go. They finally understand that the country’s fortunes are not exclusively determined by politicians, they too have a role to play.

The program has been so successful that there is always a long waiting list because previous graduates are the ones who are making the country’s wheels turn. Rwanda’s civil service is very young, they are energetic and are not scared to venture into new territories.

That confidence is a result of Ingando; it makes one think clearly and to solve problems instead of leaving them to someone else. They learn to be a cog in the wheel and that is the most important outcome as they finally realise that they have the future of their country in their hands.