The Minister for Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, has called on youth to safeguard the country’s peace and development by promoting patriotism and unity in their communities.

Harerimana spoke yesterday at Nkumba Ubutore Training Centre while officially opening the third in take of Youth Volunteers in crime prevention training.

The training attracted over 500 members of "Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Crime Prevention,” including 127 females.

The number also includes over 180 police reserve force from various districts.

"Rwanda’s leadership has worked hard to ensure peace, development and prosperity throughout the country.

These achievements must be safeguarded by patriotic young men and women who love their country,” Harerimana said.

"As agents of change, you must advise your fellow youth to shun crime and sensitise your community about development programmes. You must embrace change; ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge and skills that will enable you to fully contribute to your nation’s growth for better future.”

IGP Emmanuel K Gasana, commended the youth for collaborating with Police through provision of timely information to Police that has aided operations during crime prevention campaigns.

"No Rwandan should tolerate criminality in their communities. The youth have come out to denounce several crimes such as gender based violence, drug abuse, human trafficking and more – while many of them have alerted Police about suspicious elements in their neighborhoods. This is a positive practice that should continue,” he said.

One of the youth volunteers, Egidia Kangabe, 24, said the lessons in the training were rich and promised to put them into practice.

"I know many young people need these sensitisations and I will endeavour to be an ambassador of peace and lawfulness,” she said.

The "Rwandan Youth Volunteers in crime Prevention” is an organisation of over 7, 000 young men and women countrywide, comprising students, who support vulnerable communities by providing medical insurance, livestock and other needs.

The current trainees will join after the training.

They carry out crime prevention awareness programmes in schools and communities against drug abuse, corruption and gender-based-violence, among others.

The training was graced by the chairman of National Itorero Commission, Boniface Rucagu, provincial and district officials, police commissioners as well as senior officers.

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