HUYE – High school leavers who have just concluded the civic education programme, locally known as ‘Itorero’, in Huye District, have vowed to help vulnerable residents get rid of grass-thatched houses (Nyakatsi).

The pledge was made, on Thursday, during the closing ceremony of the civic education programme that was attended by 1,236 youth from the district. The youths vowed to implement what they learnt during the training.

"I will contribute to different initiatives aimed at eradicating grass-thatched houses in rural areas. I am convinced that, as youth, we can play a significant role in this area,” said Betty Mukamurenzi, from Huye Sector.

Huye is listed among the districts with high numbers of grass-thatched houses in the Southern Province.

The youngsters also vowed to play an active role in the fight against illicit brew and drugs in their communities. Marcel Sikubwabo, one of the participants, observed that drug abuse is one of the major challenges of development in the district. "The young and old alike are involved in the selling and consumption of drugs and illicit brew, we will sensitise our people on the harmful effects of these substances.”

Authorities in the Southern Province have also cited drugs as the main cause of crime in the region.

Speaking at the event, Huye District Mayor, Francois Uhagaze, called on the ‘Intore’ to actively participate in the development of their respective areas. "People out there in the village are waiting for you; go and put light where there is darkness and where they need your help, do not hesitate to help.”

During the civic education, the participants made bricks that will be used to build houses for the needy in Kinazi, Ngoma and Tumba Sectors. They also planted trees as a way of protecting the environment.

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