Rwanda National Police (RNP) has partnered with private secondary schools in the country to raise awareness and fight against drug abuse, as well as ensure safety in these schools.

In a meeting at the Police headquarters in Kacyiru yesterday, the Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, assured head teachers that Police is committed to protecting the youth against activities that are detrimental to their education, such as drug abuse.

Gasana urged students to act responsibly and contribute toward the country’s development.

The meeting was attended by head teachers from 13 secondary schools.

The schools included; Green Hills Academy, Ecole Francaise, Ecole Belge de Kigali, International School Hope Academy, Virunga Valley Academy, St. Paul International School Academy, and New Vision High school.

Others are Hagos International School, Riviera High School, Akilah Institute for Women, La Colombiere School and Complexe School.

"We do not want to have a wasted generation. We need to work closely to address the vice,’’ Gasana said.

He also requested head teachers to establish anti-crime clubs in schools to enable students discuss remedies to crime.

He urged them to put in place security measures such as CCTV cameras and, more importantly, employ responsible security guards to protect the students from dangerous strangers.

Boniface O. Onyango, the Principle of Riviera High School, commended RNP for its continued efforts in maintaining security in schools.

"RNP is one of the most effective and efficient institutions in terms of response,” Onyango noted, while expressing commitment to tightening the new partnership by sharing with police timely information whenever needed.

Participants recommended that such meetings be organised on a regular basis in order to keep up to date with latest developments.

Participants were also briefed on different issues such as human trafficking, terrorism and community policing.