A total of 240 young people from across the country on Tuesday, August 25, completed a week-long civic training at the National Ubutore Development Centre in Nkumba, Burera District.
The participants included high-performing Senior Six graduates from financially disadvantaged families across the country, as well as young people supported through Imbuto Foundation programmes promoting arts and creativity, including Art Rwanda-Ubuhanzi.
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The participants, pledged to use the values and skills gained during the training called Itorero Imbuto Zitoshye to contribute to the country’s development and become role models in their communities.
During the ceremony, the graduates presented pledges outlining how they intend to contribute to their personal development and the progress of the country. They also showcased talents including drawing, singing and traditional dance.
This followed a week of training, physical exercises and lessons on Rwandan history, culture, civic responsibility and leadership.
The programme was organised by the Imbuto Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE).
Elodie Shami, the Director General of Imbuto Foundation, urged the graduates to use the lessons acquired at Itorero as a foundation for their future choices.
"You have learnt a great deal about our culture and history, discipline, punctuality and other values that should guide you throughout your lives,” she said.
"Be Rwandans who are not deterred by challenges but instead seek solutions. You have great opportunities ahead of you, yet there are also many things that could lead you astray and cause you to neglect your responsibilities. Make wise choices; be people of integrity and strong values.”
Ange Mugwaneza from Kicukiro is one of the 150 young women who took part in the training. She said taking part in activities alongside young men boosted her confidence.
"Seeing girls take part in combat games like boys gave me courage and encouraged those among us who lacked confidence. I also learnt to seize opportunities and share what I gained with peers who did not have this chance,” Mugwaneza said.
Nathan Niyonzima said lessons on Rwanda’s history and national unity helped him develop a clearer sense of direction.
"Itorero helped me put my life in order, set goals and work towards them. Before joining, I had no clear plan, but after discussions about our future, I became purposeful and ready to inspire others,” he said.
Elisa Rugamba said the training also strengthened his sense of civic responsibility.
"Our contribution is to respect our country’s laws and guidelines, study hard and support government programmes without doing anything that could hold our nation back. We must fight genocide ideology,” Rugamba said.
Marie Alice Kayumba, the Executive Director in charge of National Unity and Community Resilience, urged the graduates to put into practice the values they acquired during Itorero.
"You are called upon to be role models among yourselves and in your communities, while upholding your obligations and responsibilities,” she said.
Kayumba reminded them that dignity requires hard work and responsibility.
"Among your commitments is to uphold your dignity by working hard, putting our country first and staying away from anything harmful to you,” she said.
Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde challenged the young people to honour their pledges and use their skills to address challenges in their communities.
"I urge you to maintain the good conduct you committed to, serve as role models, and work for your own advancement and the country’s development. Shun alcoholism and drug abuse. You have seen their consequences among peers who fell into bad habits, such gambling and waiting for wealth to come from elsewhere.”
Mugabowagahunde also urged them to work hard and help solve problems affecting the society, including domestic conflicts.
He challenged them to ensure their actions match the pledges made during Itorero.
The "Imbuto Zitoshye” programme is linked to the Imbuto Foundation’s Edified Generation Scholarship Programme, launched in 2002 by First Lady Jeannette Kagame.
The Edified Generation programme supports academically outstanding secondary school students from families facing financial challenges.
Since its launch, more than 11,000 young people have been nurtured through the programme.