Minister Biruta tells Diaspora students to think about what they owe the country

Rwandan youth have been urged to think of what they owe the country instead of thinking about what the country owes them.The Minister for Education, Dr Vincent Biruta, made the remarks while closing a two-week civic training course for Rwandan students in the Diaspora at the weekend.The training at Rwanda Military Academy, Gako, was attended by about 300 Diaspora students. “You have learnt about Rwandan achievements but a lot more needs to be done because self-reliance is a process and it starts with you. The journey continues; the freedom and sovereignty we want will come after self-reliance. Self- reliance should be a goal for everyone, including the youth,” Dr Biruta said.“Always think about your future and one of your country, think about what you owe your country than what it owes you. A lot has been given to you.” During the training, participants were briefed on patriotism, self-reliance, Rwanda’s history, and the role of the youth in development. At the closing ceremony of the training, conducted under the theme, “The role of youth in Rwanda’s journey to self-reliance”, Dr Biruta urged the youth to be good ambassadors of the country.Parfait Gahamanyi, the director-general of the Diaspora in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the students were also briefed on preserving Rwandan values and culture.“They have been active, and committed to be good ambassadors of Rwandan identity and values, being role models to the rest,” Gahamanyi said.Boniface Rucagu, the chairperson national civic education (Itorero), said this was the 6th session since this kind of training was started.“From the beginning, we have been close to the participants more than before. I commend their good attitude and active participation,” Rucagu said.“The government wants you to foster unity and to play active roles in the development of the country. You must avoid selfishness and greed because they hinder unity and development.”Frank Gashugi, a Rwandan student from Madagascar, said the training equipped them with knowledge on various issues which they can use to create a difference.“We have committed to be good ambassadors of the country through associations and use of social media platforms, to counter negative publicity about Rwanda, foster unity and preserve Rwanda’s dignity and values,” Gashugi said.Since 2008, about 1,800 youth living abroad have participated in Itorero.

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Minister Biruta tells Diaspora students to think about what they owe the country