The Ministry of Youth and ICT (MYICT) on Saturday launched Youth in Holidays, a countrywide programme aimed at enabling youths make good use of their holidays instead of indulging in risky behaviours such as drug abuse.

The programme also aims at sensitising parents, community leaders, and church leaders to create a conducive environment for holistic development of the youth especially during the holidays.

On the first day of the programme, thousands of young people from across the country participated in special community work (Umuganda) in their respective communities.

The Minister for Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, said the programme is going to be an annual event. "We request all young people to participate in this programme and we urge the community to facilitate them as the programme starts,” he said.

He said young people committed to having youth Umuganda programme every quarter.

"Young people have committed to be part of Umuganda. This is the moment for them to show that indeed they’re the force behind the development of the country,” Nsengimana said.

This programme is aimed at ensuring a better future for the Rwandan youths through encouraging them to avoid drug abuse, unwanted pregnancies and peer pressure, according to the ministry.

It serves to remind youths of their role in self development which leads to a safe and developed country.

Joseph Irakoze, 19, a resident of Gacurabwenge Sector, Kamonyi District said the programme will enable them get engaged in productive activities that improve their well being and contribute toward the development of the country.

The programme will go on up to December 30. It is organised by the Ministry of Youth and ICT, in partnership with other stakeholders namely; ministries of Local Government, Gender and Family Promotion, Education, Sports and Culture, as well as the Rwanda National Police, Ministry of Defence and National Itorero Commission.

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