WESTERN PROVINCE

KARONGI — The Executive Secretary of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC), Fatuma Ndangiza, has urged high school students to become a foundation of sustainable peace in the country.

"For a country to progress in all fields youth are the best vehicle used to reach what it needs. You are the core base of our country’s peace and reconciliation,” she told students.

Ndangiza was speaking on Saturday, at the closing of the schools’ competitions on unity and reconciliation and fighting genocide ideology in the Western Province.

The competitions featured debates and football matches in which winners walked away with cash and other prizes.

They were organised by NURC from the districts to provincial level and attracted area secondary schools at the Province auditorium in Karongi District. 

Ndangiza reminded students that 67% of Rwanda’s population is below 20 years of age who are mainly youth.

"You constitute the biggest number of Rwanda’s population and your ideas on promoting peace and reconciliation in our country are vital. You should join hands and reach this point,” she said.

She noted that since NURC started organising such programmes in 2004, a tremendous change has been registered among the youth.

"These debates help you gain experiences in different fields.  They are used in courts and inspire you in acquiring a culture of tolerance,” she said.

In debate, Rubavu District came first and was given a cheque of Frw300,000 with a trophy, Rusizi District got Frw200, 000 in the second position while Nyamasheke got Frw100, 000 in the third slot.

Rubavu also emerged the winner in football; Nyabihu came the second while Rusizi took the third place and each was awarded.

This programme will cover all secondary schools countrywide, according to NURC officials.

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