SOUTHERN PROVINCE

HUYE — All fresh graduates from Universities in Rwanda will soon be required to enroll for National service for one year, an official has said.

Prof. Silas Lwakabamba, the Rector of the National University of Rwanda (NUR) revealed this on Monday, during public discussions organised to commemorate the Liberation Day which falls on July 4.

The rector also said the programme would provide fresh graduates with work experience, after students said experience was denting them.

He said: "There have been complaints from students that they are asked for work experience from potential employers on completion of studies. The one year national youth programme will help such students familiarise themselves with the world of work.”

"Government will also be able to deploy university graduates to work up-country with a small package to act as motivation. Graduates will be able to apply the various skills learnt in school to find practical solutions to problems affecting communities.”

The NUR Rector observed that such programmes run in many countries the world over.

"Tanzania, Nigeria and the United States of America he said, are typical examples.”

Lwakabamba also observed the proposed National Service programme will cultivate patriotism among the youth.

"This programme will bring in a sense of patriotism. Students who have completed their studies will be required to work in any part of the country. This will facilitate an exchange of experiences and an appreciation of how other communities live.”

During the discussion, he also revealed that plans to incorporate Civic education in schools’ curriculum are in advanced stages. It will be an examinable subject from primary to tertiary level.

Lwakabamba said that another programme; the Rwanda leadership initiative has been hatched to help in the training of young Rwandans in leadership positions.

"The Rwanda leadership initiative is expected to grow into the Rwanda leadership Institute,” said Lwakabamba.

"All these initiatives build on other programmes like Ingando (solidarity camps) and Itorero (for civic education) re-launched by government,” he added.

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