"Empowering Rwanda's Future: Prime Minister Ngirente's Call to Youth at the 14th Itorero Indangamirwa Graduation"

A Diverse and Dynamic Cohort

This year’s Itorero cohort was notably diverse, reflecting the broad reach and inclusive nature of the program. Among the 494 participants, 33 were young Rwandans living or studying abroad, underscoring the program's commitment to engaging the Rwandan diaspora in nation-building efforts. Additionally, 67 participants were students from international schools within Rwanda, highlighting the program's effort to integrate global perspectives with Rwandan values.

A significant portion of the cohort, 381 participants, were selected for their outstanding performance in the 11th phase of the "Inkomezabigwi" program, which recognizes young people across all districts who have excelled in their communities. These participants exemplify the program's mission to reward and further develop young individuals who have already demonstrated a strong commitment to their nation. Moreover, 13 youth leaders joined the cohort, bringing their leadership experience to the training, further enriching the group’s dynamic.

A Call to Responsible Citizenship

In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente emphasized the dual nature of rights and responsibilities, a theme central to the Itorero program. He reminded the youth that while they are entitled to rights, these come with the obligation to make sound decisions about their lives. This message is particularly poignant in a world where young people are often confronted with challenges and choices that can have long-lasting impacts.

"Making good decisions is a hallmark of integrity," Dr. Ngirente stated, urging the participants to continue making positive choices that will benefit not only themselves but also their communities and the nation at large. His message was clear: the decisions made by the youth today will shape the future of Rwanda, and it is their responsibility to ensure that these decisions are aligned with the values of integrity, hard work, and patriotism.

The Dangers of Substance Abuse

A significant portion of the Prime Minister's address focused on the dangers of substance abuse, a growing concern in many societies. Dr. Ngirente warned the participants about the detrimental effects of drugs and alcohol, not just on their health but also on their potential to contribute meaningfully to society. He painted a vivid picture of how substance abuse can derail the dreams and aspirations of young people, rendering them unable to fulfill the expectations of their families and their country.

"We are a country that wants our youth to stay away from drugs because they destroy the brain and prevent the country from achieving its goals," he asserted. This strong stance against drugs is part of a broader national effort to ensure that the youth of Rwanda remain healthy, focused, and capable of driving the country's development forward.

Dr. Ngirente also touched on the issue of excessive drinking, which he described as a significant obstacle to a bright future. He encouraged the youth to avoid alcohol altogether or, if they choose to drink, to do so in moderation and opt for non-alcoholic beverages that do not impair their judgment or productivity. "We want a youth that grows up well, completes their studies, and serves the country with a clear mind," he said, reinforcing the idea that a healthy lifestyle is essential for both personal and national success.

Combating Laziness: The Need for Hard Work

Beyond avoiding the pitfalls of substance abuse, the Prime Minister also stressed the importance of hard work and diligence. He pointed out that avoiding drugs and alcohol is not enough; the youth must also shun laziness and embrace a strong work ethic. This message is particularly relevant in the context of Rwanda's ambitious Vision 2050, which aims to transform the country into a high-income nation. The success of this vision depends heavily on the productivity and innovation of its youth.

"If you avoid drugs and alcohol but do not work, you will not progress," Dr. Ngirente warned. He called on every young person to find something productive to do each day, emphasizing that consistent effort is key to personal and national advancement. This call to action is a reminder that the future of Rwanda is in the hands of its youth, and it is through their hard work and determination that the country will continue to thrive.

Reassuring Parents A Promise of Positive issues 

Bizimana Jean Damascène, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, also addressed the actors and their families, offering  consolation that the training  handed through the Itorero program would yield significant positive  issues. He  stressed the comprehensive nature of the program, which not only imparts knowledge but also instills values  similar as nationalism, adaptability, and a deep understanding of Rwanda’s history.

 " The assignments and  conversations these actors  entered have helped them understand Rwanda's history, the  offerings made to bring it to where it's  moment, and the  significance of  securing these achievements," Dr. Bizimana stated.

He expressed confidence that the actors would carry these assignments into their lives, using them as a foundation for their  benefactions to Rwanda's ongoing development. 

Youth Voices Reflections on the Itorero Experience 

The impact of the Itorero program was apparent in the reflections of the actors. numerous spoke of the profound assignments they had learned and the sense of purpose they had gained. Floribert Iyakaremye, one of the actors, likened the program to a  root of knowledge and values." The Itorero program is like a  root because no bone visits a  root and leaves empty- handed," he said.

 Iyakaremye emphasized that he'd gained important assignments in respect,  modesty,  tone- reliance, and nationalism, all of which would guide him in his  unborn  trials.  also, Angelique Fanny Umuhoza expressed her  gratefulness for the experience, noting that it had  strengthened her understanding of her identity as a Rwandan." sharing in Itorero has been inestimable for me because I gained  expansive knowledge about my country, communal values, and discipline," she said.

Umuhoza’s reflection underscores the program’s  part in fostering a strong sense of  public pride and responsibility among Rwanda’s youth.  A heritage of commission  Since its  commencement, the Itorero Indangamirwa program has trained over  5,118  youthful people, equipping them with the knowledge, chops, and values necessary to lead and serve their country.

This time’s cohort, which included 216 girls,  entered a comprehensive education that covered Rwanda’s history, culture, and  unborn  bournes . They also gained a deep understanding of their  part in realizing Vision 2050 and in promoting Rwanda's achievements on the global stage.  As the actors leave the Nkumba Civic Education Center, they carry with them the responsibility to apply what they've learned in their communities and beyond.

The Itorero program is n't just about individual growth; it's about erecting a collaborative future for Rwanda, one that's  embedded  in the values of hard work, integrity, and nationalism.  Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente’s  ending remarks serve as a  important  memorial that the future of Rwanda lies in the hands of its youth. By making responsible choices, working diligently, and upholding the values  inseminated in them through the Itorero program, these  youthful Rwandans are poised to lead their nation to indeed lesser heights.

The  heritage of Itorero Indangamirwa is one of  commission, and its impact will be felt for generations to come.