The fifth cohort of new students from the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA), comprising the 2025/26 intake, completed the Civic Training Programme—Itorero—on September 5 and were given the name Intagamburuzwa. The week-long Itorero programme, which began on August 31, involved 82 new students (45 girls and 37 boys). The civic education programme in Rwanda is a revival of a pre-colonial tradition aimed at nurturing unity, moral values, and a sense of patriotic citizenship. Itorero is rooted in Rwanda’s traditional forms of moral and civic education. Although it was banned during colonial rule, it was reintroduced after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to help rebuild social cohesion based on Rwandan moral values. The training is part of RICA’s policy, introduced in 2021, requiring all new students to complete Itorero, following previous concerns regarding student conduct. Organised in partnership with the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), the programme aims to instill patriotism, leadership, discipline, and core national values in students before they embark on their academic journey. Pascal Gasana, Learning Programme Coordination Analyst at MINUBUMWE, stated that the civic training programme is essential for students in higher learning institutions, enabling them to engage in solving the country’s challenges. “The new students were trained by 42 trainers—16 of whom were women—with various skills in civic education. They learned how the Genocide was planned and executed, and reflected on the nation’s renewal following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the country’s liberation,” he said. The Intagamburuzwa cohort cultivated patriotism, leadership, discipline, and values essential for a successful university experience and responsible citizenship. He said that young people must understand how disunity and genocide ideology can destroy a nation. The students also reviewed Rwanda's Vision 2050, particularly the agriculture and livestock programme, and committed to advancing agricultural modernisation as a solution to food insecurity. In addition to becoming advocates for conservation agriculture, the cohort was encouraged to prioritise agri-tech and innovation to support Rwanda’s food security goals. “We also learned about the necessary investments in agriculture and livestock, and the role of young people. We understood the role Itorero plays in national development. We were also introduced to the Ndi Umunyarwanda initiative, which aims to restore unity among Rwandans,” said James Hagenimana, a new student at RICA. The Intagamburuzwa were also taught about commercial agriculture by RICA Agripreneurs alumni. Topics included innovative agricultural technologies and the importance of self-discipline for maintaining a healthy mindset among the youth. The cohort also explored the risks associated with the online environment, including cybercrime and bullying—issues that predominantly affect young people. Speakers stressed the importance of responsible digital literacy. Tegra Ishimwe, another student, stressed that unity and hard work are essential for young people to contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s goals in conservation agriculture. “We commend President Paul Kagame for restoring Itorero, which reminds us of the values needed in our lives. As Itorero graduates, we are committed to planting more trees to promote conservation agriculture. We pledge to use ICT in agriculture, create jobs, and drive innovation,” she said. She added that without unity, none of these ambitions could be realised. “We are, therefore, committed to using social media platforms to combat genocide ideology and denial, as well as those who trivialise the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” she added. The Mayor of Bugesera District, Richard Mutabazi, praised RICA, MINUBUMWE, and other stakeholders for organising the Itorero training for the new students. “Itorero is an opportunity to learn Rwandan cultural values and understand how to contribute to the country's development. Without cultural values, Vision 2050 cannot be achieved, and conservation agriculture will not succeed. Avoid discrimination, strive to acquire skills, innovate, and create jobs. Discipline, hard work, and commitment are key,” he noted. Michelle Ntukanyagwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at RICA, reiterated: “Once our students complete university and graduate with values and problem-solving skills, the country will thrive in conservation agriculture and leadership. We commend MINUBUMWE for this collaboration. From the new students trained under the Itorero programme, we expect good behaviour, strong values, academic excellence, leadership, and innovation to drive solutions.” To date, 354 RICA students have undergone Itorero training, making it an integral part of RICA’s approach to nurturing responsible citizens and future leaders.
