HUYE- Students of Groupe Scolaire Official de Butare (GSOB) Indatwa n’Inkesha affirmed their commitment to strive for unity and reconciliation as one of the major aspects of patriotism.

Denis Paterne Muberwa, the head of GSOB Patriotic Club, made the remarks while speaking on behalf of the students at celebrations to mark the Patriotism Day on Sunday.

"Our generation is committed to unity and reconciliation as the path to development by helping each other to overcome the tragic past and focus on a brighter future,” Muberwa said.

The day was celebrated in style under the theme "Role of students discipline in Patriotism.” The students recited poems and sang songs themed on love and hard work.

The students also resolved to fight divisions, genocide ideology and other ills which can derail development.

Father Pierre Celestine Rwirangira, the school’s headmaster, disclosed that the values of patriotism, love and culture are the foundation of the school pointing out that students’ education is built on such values.

"Our major focus is to instil such values of patriotism among our students through good education, because whoever doesn’t know their past, doesn’t know the future,” Rwirangira said.

Member of Parliament, Evode Kalima, who was guest speaker at the event, encouraged students to be agents of change in the country.

The students sought explanation on issues ranging from the achievements of Gacaca courts, corruption and genocide ideology among others.

The MP told the students that the future of the country lies in their hands.

 "The future of this country depends on the youth. It is through upright thinking that we can change the history and work together towards development,” Kalima said.

A similar event was also held at College La Fraternite de Ndiza, in Gitega cell, Kibangu sector in Muhanga District, where local leaders encouraged students to emulate the example of Rwanda’s heroes who strived for the liberation of the country.

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