The Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing (YVCP), yesterday, launched countrywide development programmes to supplement various human security activities.

The official launch was held in Nyamyumba Sector in Rubavu District, where the youth donated livestock to vulnerable families, and leveled a site in Rambo Village where classrooms will be constructed.

Related activities were also conducted concurrently in all districts across the country.

In Ruhango District, the youth planted about 8000 trees on 16 hectares of agroforestry land in Kigaga village of Munini cell.

The activities, which will be conducted every second Saturday of the month, are in line with the agreement signed recently between Rwanda National Police (RNP) and the Ministry of Lands and Forestry to partner in environmental conservation activities, including plating 27,000 hectares of trees in the next five years.

The human security activities are being conducted under the theme: "My Role in Building the Rwanda we Desire.”

The acting Mayor of Rubavu, Janvier Murenzi, who presided over the official launch, said these activities will be a massive addition in security and development programmes.

"You are a great country’s resource; the good future of this country rely on young people, you therefore have an obligation to keep such spirit to ensure you build on what has already been achieved to build the Rwanda we desire,” said Murenzi.

In Ruhango, the Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Gilbert Gumira reminded thousands of resident, the importance of protecting the environment, cleanliness and body hygiene, and security in general.

He noted that most of the houses that have been destroyed by the wind, are located in open areas, adding that the afforestation programme is meant to address such challenges.

The RPC noted that at least 72 per cent of crimes in Ruhango are related to illicit drugs, and urged them to join effort to reverse the trend.

According to Jean-Bosco Mutangana, the organization’s Commissioner in charge of training and community mobilisation, much focus will be put in afforestation and preservation of environment in general, helping poor families, anti-crime awareness campaigns, as well as hygiene and sanitation exercises.

"In our recent meeting, we resolved that we do more as a driving force in the transformation process and to supplement our President’s seven year programme,” Mutangana said.

"We are a young generation; and as members of youth volunteers in community policing, we feel very proud to make our contribution, instill the culture of volunteerism and the value of patriotism and continue to draw a good line for generations.”

Currently, the organisation has over 2,000 members countryside, and the target is to have one million by the end of 2018. editorial@newtimes.co.rw