Rwanda Correctional Services yesterday began the  ‘RCS Week,’ during which inmates in different prisons across the country will engage in productive activities to help their respective communities.

At the national level, the Week was launched in Kimironko Sector, Gasabo District with inmates helping to construct Nyagatovu Primary School, the first public school in the village.

Maj. Gen. Paul Rwarakabije, the Commissioner for RCS, said inmates should be involved in the country’s development programmes.

"Every Rwandan should contribute to national development. Despite the inmates’ transgressions to society, they are still part of us,” he said.

Currently, children from this village are forced to walk for over five kilometres to Kibagabaga and Remera to attend school.

However, the new 12-classroom block complete with a  12-room toilet facility will increase Nyagatovu children’s access to education.

The Executive Secretary for the Kimironko sector, Teophile Niragire, said the good relationship between RCS and the sector has enabled collaboration between the two in implementing development projects in Nyagatovu.

"RCS and Kimironko Sector have worked together on infrastructural development projects, including road construction and agriculture. We commend what RCS has done for our community,” Niragire said.

Niragire said the project will cost Rwf90 million.

Esperance Mukamwiza, a mother of four and a resident of Nyagatovu, told The New Times that all her children go to Remera Catholic Primary School, about six kilometres from her home.

"We really needed a public school in this village. We cannot afford to educate our children in a private school that requires us to pay Rwf150,000 per term. This school will not only shorten the distance to s=chool, but will also make education more affordable,” she said.

Rwarakabije said that the activities carried out by inmates are in line with seeking home-grown solutions to the country’s problems.  

Other activities expected to be undertaken during the ‘week’ which will last two weeks, include construction of houses for the vulnerable such as, the 1994 Genocide survivors and widows and providing shelter for returnees from Tanzania.

The Correctional Services Week will officially be concluded on July 31.