A group of entertainers, journalists, social media influencers and government officials participated in an event that encouraged young people to stay away from drugs and make responsible choices as they pursue their ambitions. The event, held on Friday, November 13, as part of the Sober Gen campaign to students of GS Gahini in Kayonza District, brought together personalities from the entertainment, media and public sectors who shared their personal journeys and encouraged students to embrace discipline, patriotism and healthy lifestyles. ALSO READ: 'Sober Gen': Youth urged to make sobriety a way of life The Sober Gen initiative seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse while encouraging young people to make healthy life choices. Among those who addressed the students were journalists Anita Pendo, Sam Karenzi and Peter Kamasa, Yvonne Uwicyeza as well as RwandAir pilot Alice Muhorakeye. ALSO READ: Mukazayire joins Gakenke residents in ‘Sober Gen’ campaign 26-year-old Muhoracyeye used her professional experience to explain why sobriety and discipline are essential in achieving one's ambitions. She asked students to imagine boarding an aircraft only to discover that the pilot responsible for their safety was drunk. Would you willingly board that plane? Probably not, because you would be placing your life in the hands of someone who is not mentally fit to make critical decisions, she said. Muhorakeye said the same principle applies to everyday life, noting that people need a clear mind to make sound decisions and remain committed to their responsibilities. She added that staying sober does not mean giving up entertainment or socialising, explaining that she and her friends enjoy themselves without engaging in drug abuse. The temporary pleasure you get from drugs can destroy everything you have spent years working hard to achieve, sometimes in just a minute, she said. She urged students to build their futures around three principles: dreaming big, maintaining discipline and staying sober. Kamasa, who is also a volleyball coach, encouraged students to take up sports, saying physical activity helps young people maintain healthy lifestyles and avoid destructive behaviours. He challenged them to make sports part of their daily lives, arguing that discipline on the playing field can also shape their behaviour outside it. Sports keep you healthy and youthfull, he told the students. The programme also featured a short theatrical performance by actors from Rwanda's film industry, illustrating how alcohol consumption and drug abuse can affect students' academic performance, relationships and future prospects. Eric Mahoro, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBWE), said personal responsibility, patriotism and national unity should guide young people's decisions. He told students that protecting themselves from drugs and other harmful behaviours is also a way of protecting their country. Our unity should come before everything else. Patriotism is equally important, and loving your country means doing things that make it proud, Mahoro said. He said people who destroy their health and wellbeing through substance abuse undermine their ability to serve their communities and contribute to national development. You cannot entrust someone with important responsibilities if they have already destroyed themselves. We cannot have drunk soldiers or drunk doctors. That is the message young people should take home, he said. Mahoro also cautioned against treating drug abuse as a problem affecting only a particular group of people, saying other everyone can be affected if they are not careful. He called on schools and families to continue promoting responsible behaviour beyond awareness campaigns and public events. The visit also included a stop at a hotel near Lake Muhazi, where participants enjoyed the lakeside scenery, fresh air and refreshments, and shared milk. The experience was intended to demonstrate that young people can enjoy social activities and have fun without turning to drugs. ALSO READ: Beyond the bottle: Rwanda’s youth embrace sober living Students said meeting successful personalities and hearing their experiences had given them a fresh perspective on the importance of making responsible choices. Placide Kwizera, a Senior Five student, described the visit as inspiring, particularly because some of the speakers had once studied at the same school. What they shared meant a lot to us. We are studying at this school today, and these are people who were once here but have gone on to achieve great things. Seeing them return to encourage us is very inspiring, he said. Sonia Mugabe, a Senior Three student, said the testimonies taught her the importance of having a clear purpose, pursuing personal ambitions and showing consideration for people with disabilities. She cited the experience shared by former journalist Yvonne Uwicyeza, who has a visual impairment and works in the Office of the Government Spokesperson, as an important lesson in determination and overcoming challenges. They made it clear that you cannot achieve much if you are not sober. Their experiences showed us that we need to have goals, remain disciplined and work towards them, Mugabe said. The Sober Gen campaign seeks to make the message of sobriety more relatable by allowing young people to learn directly from individuals whose professional and personal journeys demonstrate the value of discipline and responsible living.
