Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva on Monday challenged 769 young Rwandans who completed the 16th cohort of Itorero Indangamirwa to protect the country’s achievements and build on them to drive Rwanda’s development.
The Prime Minister made the call during the closing ceremony of the 40-day training held at the Gabiro Training Centre, where participants were equipped with lessons on patriotism, discipline, Rwandan values, history and their role in national development.
Nsengiyumva told the graduates that their generation has inherited a Rwanda that has made significant progress, giving them both an opportunity and responsibility to ensure that future generations inherit an even stronger country.
“Your responsibility is to protect what has been achieved and build on it, taking the country far beyond what you found,” he said.
He urged the youth to make integrity, discipline, respect, hard work and commitment part of their daily lives, saying meaningful national progress begins with individual choices and responsible conduct.
The 16th cohort brought together young Rwandans from different backgrounds, including those studying or living abroad, graduates of international schools in Rwanda, outstanding participants from the 14th cohort of Inkomezabigwi, as well as university and other higher-learning students.
During the 40-day programme, participants studied Rwanda’s history, national vision, culture and values. They also took part in military drills, cultural activities and discussions focused on their contribution to the country’s future.
Some graduates said the training strengthened their patriotism, discipline and understanding of Rwandan values. They also visited Kiziguro Genocide Memorial, where they learned more about the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana said the programme has expanded its intake, with 769 participants completing this year’s cohort, compared with about 400 to 450 in previous years.
He said the target is to train at least 800 youth in the next cohort.
Since its launch in 2008, 5,985 young Rwandans have completed the 16 cohorts of Itorero Indangamirwa.
