Youth in Kigali demonstrated patriotism as they marked the end of the City of Kigali Patriotism Month.

The month, that was concluded on Friday, started on October 1, initiated by the National Women Council (CNF) and National Youth Council (NYC) in collaboration with the City of Kigali.

The month-long campaign intended to remind Rwandans that it is patriotism that has made the country reach the current level of socio-economic development.

Many activities were carried out in the three districts making up the City of Kigali, including supporting the vulnerable and demobilised soldiers who fought for the liberation of the country, patriotism talks among the youth at universities and secondary schools, andsensitisation to youth to shun drug abuse and other elements that lure them into committing crimes and work diligently to develop the country.

The closure of the campaign featured patriotism walk from Parliament to Petit Stade Remera, where many youths listened to various leaders speak about patriotism.

Closing the campaign, Parfait Busabizwa, the City’s vice mayor for economic development and finance, said that all the targets for the campaign had been achieved.

He urged Rwandans to keep up the spirit of love for their country.

"All we planned to do we have done. All went well. We wanted to showcase what our heroes did so that people can draw lessons from them and satart to walk in their footprints. Let us continue loving our country. Let us look for our own solutions to the challenges that face us, let us fight gender based violence, and maintain security and cleanliness in the city,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the National Youth Council and the National Women Council for their cooperation with the city leadership which led to the success of the campaign.

Francoise Uwumukiza, the president of NWC, urged women to be patriotic and work for the development of the nation drawing examples from the pre colonial times, where Rwandan women played a great role in society including serving as advisors to the ancient kings.

The function also included a small expo where different cooperatives from the three districts of Kigali showcased their products.

Vedaste Mutungirehe, an exhibitor who manufacturers shoes, said it is the love for his country that drives him to make the products so as to add value to the manufacturing industry of the country.

Francine Iyakaremye, another exhibitor for ‘Made in Rwanda’ textiles, lauded the security in the country saying its one factor that has enabled her business to expand.

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