KIGALI - Over 500 Rwandans pursuing their studies in India, on Thursday, began a week-long civic education programme, commonly known as Itorero ry’Igihugu at Jain University, Bangalore.

The programme is an instrument for character development and provides students with the opportunity to stay connected to their country.

The High Commissioner of Rwanda in India, Williams Nkurunziza, who officially launched the programme, noted that the Rwandan youth are the future and challenged them to actively participate in the programme that will mould them into leaders and productive members of society

"We must first understand each other and know where we are coming from; then together build a consensus on the path to our future, it is only through collaboration that distances fade away,” he said.

A documentary, narrating the unity and reconciliation journey of Rwanda, was screened at the launch.

Dr Jean Baptiste Habyarimana, the Executive Secretary of the Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC), urged the students to promote the culture of unity and patriotism and always keep abreast with what goes on back home.

"To transform our continent, we need educated youngsters and our youth studying in India are our example,” he said.
He further invited Jain University to set up campuses in Rwanda to meet Africa’s growing human capacity and skills deficits.

Jain University hosted the programme, after it was identified as warm and hospitable to international students.
Faculty members, including N. Sundararajan, the Vice Chencelor of Jain University, attended the event.

Ends