Civic education to end poverty dilemma, authorities say

EASTERN province BUGESERA - The ongoing Civic Education in Rwanda has been hailed for equipping citizens with different life skills which are necessary to fight poverty. According to educators in the camps visited by The New Times, the programme aims at imparting the knowledge and skills that people need for effective participation in the community, government, and politics. “Civic education will help our people to live a more meaningful life. When people get the required life skills, they are able to alleviate poverty,” said Vital Ruzagiriza, the Executive Secretary of Ririma Sector, Bugesera District. The local leader noted that overall the training promotes people’s awareness of their rights and responsibilities.About 798 participants are undergoing civic education training in Ririma camp. Elsewhere in the province, in Kayonza and Rwamagana, thousands of ‘Intore’ are undergoing civic education. “We are highly motivated by the skills we gain every day. For example, we are taught how to serve our people and country diligently. It is an interesting course. You see when the old and young gather in one place, studying becomes fun. I am a community leader expecting to practice what I learn from here,” Emmanuel Bwanakweri, 47, observed. Local authorities in the region, say they intend to end poverty in the area using the acquired skills. The authorities observed that there is need for concerted efforts to end poverty in rural areas. “Thousands struggle to survive let alone lead a meaningful life. This is because of the basic lack of safe water, healthcare, shelter or food the things we often take for granted. People are given such life skills during civic education, which empowers them to fight poverty. I am optimistic that they will benefit from the training,” said Patrick Mwesige, the Executive Secretary of Muhazi Sector.He believes that stemming poverty in the country requires tackling its root causes. Ends