SOUTHERN PROVINCE 

MUHANGA—Education and sensitization of all residents has become a priority for Southern Province authorities in over to control ever-increasing population growth in the country.

A  forum of local district and opinion leader was opened last week on the dangers of uncontrolled birth and population explosion, as they are limited resourced sustaining the country today.

The discussion was hosted by the Institute of Research and Dialogue, located in Nyanza. The meeting also attracted intellectuals and university professors.

"Family planning is a good idea and in order to have controlled births, the local populace must be educated and sensitized on changing the attitudes and mentality of fecundity,” the group spokesman said.

Birth ratios in Southern Province is high compared to both resources available and other parts of the country.

Professor Déo Byanafashe from the National University of Rwanda said that words used in describing population increases were contentious and warned on the danger of experiencing a shortage of human resources as seen in Germany - where birth control has been successful.

"Family planning is a good alternative of having controlled births and this has to do with culture and mentality changes,” Byanafashe said.

"I think that Rwanda is too small and lacks resources.” Agreeably, other participants sited that education and change of mentality were crucial to engrave on the next generation.

"The topic of family planning is being discussed all over the country and research findings will be presented to all Rwandans through media publications,” said IRDP researched Bernadetted Kayirangwa.

"The issue of having a law on family planning has been stressed, however it’s also important to know the views of each province.”

IRDP is a research and dialogue institute that has covered various research issues of genocide ideology, unity and reconciliation, poverty reduction and history of Rwanda with the majority of opinions reflected countrywide.

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