FEATURED: Call for parents, teachers to educate children on civic values as Urugerero ends

Parents and teachers have been urged to “instill civic values in children” both at home and in schools, as these are the primary environments where young minds are shaped. When given the right civic values, children grow into responsible citizens, whereas exposure to harmful ideologies, such as those that fuelled the Genocide against the Tutsi, can lead to negative outcomes. This call was made by the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean-Damascène Bizimana, during the concluded 12th edition of Urugerero, Rwanda’s national civic education and community service programme. The event took place on February 28 in Tare Sector, Nyamagabe District. He commended them for their month-long dedication to building the country, demonstrating patriotism, upholding the right values, acquiring new skills, and, most importantly, deepening their understanding of civic duties and responsibilities, especially when they have the opportunity to fulfill them. ALSO READ: Nyarugenge: How 'Urugerero' youth are improving, serving communities This year’s initiative, which began on January 13, brought together over 48,302 participants (known as Inkomezabigwi) from across the country. These young volunteers, all recent high school graduates from the 2023/2024 academic year, dedicated themselves to addressing key community needs. Their activities included building homes for the elderly, constructing roads, renovating shelters, combating stunting, promoting national unity, and raising awareness about the dangers of genocide ideology. “Parents and teachers, you have one urgent responsibility: to educate these children—the future leaders of Rwanda—to be exemplary, uphold dignity and humanity, and be good mentors. Everything else follows that path,” he noted. “It is deeply concerning that some teachers still hold divisive and genocide ideologies. Such individuals should not be teaching anyone. A teacher cannot educate while carrying those negative beliefs. First, free yourself, walk the right path, and let’s build our country. Instill the right values in young Rwandans with equal love and respect. And to you, children—follow that guidance and strive for good,” the Minster added. ALSO READ: Kayonza: How Urugerero is transforming lives through volunteerism, civic engagement The Minister’s emphasis follows an incident earlier this month in which Rwanda police arrested two students, aged 15 and 16, from Gisanze High School in Kanserege Village, Buhoro Cell in the same sector, for genocide ideology. According to a local news outlet, the incident occurred during a group assignment for a Kinyarwanda lesson titled “Jenoside Ntizongere Ukundi” (Never Again to Genocide). While working in a group of ten students, the two made statements containing genocide ideology. During the discussion on the question “Explain the causes of genocide, its consequences, and how to prevent it”, a 16-year-old student responded that genocide also had “positive effects”. “There was depopulation, people got more land, the country became known, and the ‘imbeciles’ of the Tutsi were exterminated,” among other remarks made by his colleague. Bizimana urged an end to the negative mindset still present in this area, former Gikongoro prefecture and Mudasomwa Commune, areas that previously had figures and masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, highlighting individuals like former leaders Emmanuel Nteziryayo, Jean-Baptiste Gatete, Laurent Bucyibaruta, and Faustin Kanyeshyamba as examples. He noted that it is not surprising to witness such incidents in these areas, as young children are born into a history shaped by those figures. Some parents and adults continue to “harbor harmful ideologies” and even consider these individuals as “heroes.” “You should stop that and focus on instilling the right values,” he urged. ALSO READ: Murambi: Where the dead can be heard The impact of volunteerism and govt spending savings The month-long volunteer efforts have achieved significant results. The team has built three houses and renovated 47 others, constructed 25 new toilets and renovated 125, set up 57 stores, and established 126 vegetable gardens, according to Hildebrand Niyomwungeri, the Mayor of Nyamagabe District. Additionally, they have dug two canals, upgraded 4 kilometres of roads to murram, and planted 2,020 trees intercropped with crops to combat malnutrition and improve fruit supply. “The volunteer initiative has also supported campaigns promoting savings in SACCOs, fighting malaria, preventing school dropouts, and combating genocide ideology. The total cost of these efforts is estimated at Rwf56.65 million,” Niyomwungeri added. Young people’s perspectives Yvette Umurerwa Inkomezabigwi, 20, from Kagano Village in Cyitabi Sector, said that she has learned a lot through her participation in Urugerero, adding that she was able to learn the importance of love, unity, and being present where needed. Inkomezabigwi also expressed concern over the persistent spread of genocide ideology, particularly among children who inherit these harmful beliefs from their parents. “I’m not happy whenever I hear about such cases. These are people who refuse to let go of harmful ideologies, even though they know the consequences. However, we are here, and we believe in a better future as young Rwandans,” she said. Laurent Dushimimana echoed a similar sentiment, that he gained a deeper understanding of ‘Ubunyarwanda’, unity, and civic responsibilities. “We cannot deny our role in building this country—it is up to us and us alone. We urge local government authorities to recognise this as a crucial socio-economic responsibility to ensure that young people are not absent in the next edition.”

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FEATURED: Call for parents, teachers to educate children on civic values as Urugerero ends