The youth in Rwanda have been challenged to seize the existing opportunities and work hard towards self development and growth of the nation.
The Minister of Youth Rosemary Mbabazi made the call yesterday while speaking at the one day retreat for members of Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing (RYVCP), held at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kigali..
She reminded the youngsters, who included the national executive committee and district coordinators of the youth organisation, to step-up campaigns to curb drug abuse and trafficking, which she said it ruins the future of the current generation.
“Rwanda cannot maximize it potential for national transformation and accomplish all that it has set out to do without the sustained work of young people like you,” Minister Mbabazi said.
Speaking about the role of ‘Youth in National development,’ the Minister spoke at length the vital role youth played during the liberation of the country and called for “ownership” and to take up the mantle to “lead the nation’s transformation process.”
The young people, she noted, were among the significant number of Rwandans who have been making a “valuable contribution today and in the past even in the face of political, economic and social challenges.”
Earlier on, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel K. Gasana commended the good work done by the youth volunteers in community policing towards crime prevention and community development, but cautioned against complacency which may erode achievements so far registered.
The Police Chief challenged them to shun the wait-and-see attitude and instead tap into opportunities the current economic situation presents.
“You should have passion in what you are doing,” he said, urging them to continue to be innovative and mobilize more members in quest to join hands with leadership and police to curb criminality in their localities.
“Remain focused…bring more members on board and work as a big team in positive activities, continue to drive the national transformation agenda including fighting lawlessness” said the IGP.
He noted that the strength and focus of the youth volunteers has not gone unnoticed and RNP will continue to play its part to support their cause because “Police values your partnership.”
The voluntary organisation has about 200, 0000 youth members countrywide, who are mainly involved in anti-crime awareness and community development programmes.
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