Members of the senatorial committee in charge of social affairs have challenged the government to seek innovative ways that will entice the youth to pick interest in the country’s cultural values.

The committee members made the observation during their meeting on Monday as they met with Julienne Uwacu, the Minister for Sports and Culture during which they discussed the role of institutions in the promotion of unity and reconciliation.

Uwacu dwelt on the role culture has played towards the ongoing nation building although more work still needed to be done.

"Building national unity is a process. There has been progress as shown in various reports, including the recent reconciliation barometer which put it at above 80 percent,” she said.

Minister Uwacu further reiterated some of the home-grown initiatives that have significantly boosted culture like Gacaca (traditional courts), community mediators, Gir’Inka (one cow per family), Umuganda (communal work) among others.

However, senators urged the ministry to find a suitable and modern strategy that can entice youngsters to embrace national cultural values which seem to have been eroded by foreign life-styles, especially ushered in by the internet.

"Some of these values are very good but the way they are packaged, the methodology needs to be revised to allow children pick interest,” advised Senator Perrine Mukankusi.

According to Gallican Niyonangana, chairperson of the committee, senators will continue to hear from other leaders from various institutions to specifically assess the long journey taken, with a final report expected to be tabled before the plenary.

According to the Constitution, fundamental principles being assessed involve fighting the genocide ideology and all its manifestations; eradication of ethnic, regional and other divisions and promotion of national unity.

The principles are also about equitable sharing of power; building a state governed by the rule of law, a pluralistic democratic government; building a State committed to promoting social welfare and the constant quest for solutions through dialogue and consensus.

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