NORTHERN PROVINCE

RULINDO — Mayor of Rulindo district Justus Kangwagye has advised the district Secondary School teachers to be on the forefront in the war to uproot genocide ideology in schools.

Mayor Kangwagye said this in a meeting at the district offices on Friday. The meeting brought together Secondary school head teachers, school bursars, school heads of discipline, Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) and National Police representatives among others.

 "This meeting is intended for participants to share ideas on how to uproot genocide ideology in schools,” said Mayor Kangwagye.

The meeting was convened after genocide ideology related incidents were reported in Urumuli College, Rutongo, Buyoga and Rukozo Secondary Schools among other schools in the district.

Participants at the meeting noted that genocide ideology in schools is due to lack of security for students in un protected schools.

"Security can’t be maintained in schools which are in an open environment,” said the headmaster of Gasiga Secondary School Peter Rutikanga.

On her part the headmistress of Groupe Scolaire de Rulindo Soeur Marie Marceline called upon teachers to be close to their students through formation of clubs and sports activities.

"Many students indulge in bad acts because of idleness after classes brought about by lack of sports and School clubs, to keep them occupied” said Marceline.

Participants at the meeting resolved to have all Secondary Schools in the district fenced to avoid students acquiring bad habits from the surroundings.

The bad habits named included smoking, consuming of alcohol, and getting involved in genocide ideology propaganda. They also resolved to work hand in hand with village, Cell and Sector leaders to discourage the sell of alcoholic drinks and cigarettes in the vicinity of School premises.

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