Participants at a civic education programme held at Tumba College of Technology have pledged to offer free Information Communication and Technology services as part of their contribution to national development.

The offer was made by the Principal of the college, Pascal Gatabazi, during a closing ceremony held at the school headquarters in Rulindo District, Northern Province. 

Yvonne Giramata, in charge of student affairs at the campus, told The New Times that the workshop was an eye-opener in as far as instilling a spirit of self-reliance was concerned. 

"This was my first civic training. The experience was immense; it helps to instil the spirit of nationalism, patriotism and voluntary service to the nation. We learnt to offer selfless and dedicated services to communities we live in and I am sure our voluntary services will help develop the nation in one way or another,” she said. 

The two-day training brought together over 50 college staff and representatives of students to learn Rwandan traditional values presented by the National Itorero Commission (NIC). 

Gatabazi said civic education had enabled participants, not only to learn their values, norms, traditions of the Rwandan society, but to also embrace core values of nationalism. 

While addressing participant, the Minister of Education Dr. Vincent Biruta, applauded the college for seeking to equip the staff, students and the surrounding community with both formal and civic knowledge.

"The skills acquired in Itorero will shape you as well as remind you of the great importance of loving your country, your culture and the people you live with.” He said.

Civic education training in institutions of higher learning, "Indashyikirwa,” was introduced in March this year by the NIC at the University of Rwanda-Huye campus, in a bid to promote patriotism, professionalism and efficiency among the youth in tertiary institutions across the country.  

The ceremony was also attended by Boniface Rucagu, chairperson of the National Itorero Task Force, who told this paper that, patriotism, integrity, heroism, sacrifice, and hard work were the only tools Rwanda has used and will continue to use to attain self-reliance. 

Tumba College of Technology last month hosted 576 local leaders from Rulindo District for training in computer, information and telecommunications.