Over 900 students from different schools in Gicumbi District have been urged to stay away from alcohol and drug abuse to protect their dreams and build a better future. The call was made during a Drug-Free Generation campaign held at TTC De La Salle in Gicumbi District, Northern Province, on Friday, October 30, as part of a nationwide initiative to promote sober and responsible lifestyles among young people. Students from TTC De La Salle, GS Byumba Catholic, GS Notre Dame de la Bonne Conseille and Académie de La Salle attended the campaign, during which the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), in partnership with Sober Generation (Sober Gen), established a Drug-Free Generation Club at TTC De La Salle Byumba. The initiative was first launched at Lycée de Kigali on October 23, marking the beginning of a nationwide tour running until November 27. The campaign is expected to cover all provinces, with Drug-Free Generation Clubs being established in schools every week. ALSO READ: Drug-free clubs to be rolled out in schools During the Gicumbi visit, students received messages from various speakers, including Deputy Government Spokesperson Jean Maurice Uwera, military helicopter pilot Captain Melony Mutesi, social media influencers and artists such as Merci Ndaruhutse, popularly known as Fally Merci, and the Ibyanzu Poetic Group among others. Their messages centred on the dangers of illicit alcohol and substance abuse, with students encouraged to make responsible choices and avoid behaviours that could undermine their education and future ambitions. Speaking during the campaign, Captain Mutesi shared her personal journey to inspire students to pursue their dreams through discipline, determination and responsible decision-making. She explained that she joined the military in 2012 after completing secondary school, underwent cadet training and later secured an opportunity to study piloting after passing an examination. She is now a military helicopter pilot. Using her own experience, she encouraged young people to believe in their abilities and remain focused on their ambitions. She shared a story involving a friend with whom she shared the ambition of joining the military when they were in Senior Five. However, her friend started consuming alcohol and drugs, which affected her academic progress. While Mutesi advanced to Senior Six, her friend had to repeat the year. Later, when the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) visited their school for recruitment, both sat the recruitment examination. However, Mutesi said her friend arrived on the examination day with a hangover and eventually failed, while she passed. She added that her friend's situation had not improved even years later. “You cannot prioritise what you should do when you are using drugs. They can prevent you from achieving your dreams,” she said. Deputy Government Spokesperson Jean Maurice Uwera also warned students that illicit alcohol and drug use undermine people's ability to set goals, remain focused and contribute to development. He explained that substance abuse affects concentration and can make people lose track of their daily responsibilities. “You can wake up planning to do something, but after a short time, you forget,” he said. Uwera urged students to report people involved in selling or consuming illicit alcohol, saying this could help address the problem and encourage behavioural change. Sober Generation (Sober Gen) is a youth-led national initiative established by young people to promote sobriety, decent behaviour and responsible living among Rwandans, particularly the youth. The initiative has more than 150 members and emerged as the Government intensified efforts to fight illicit alcohol consumption, prompting young people to join hands and encourage their peers to stay away from illicit alcohol.
