Itorero taskforce mobilises youth for voluntary service

Officials from the Itorero National Taskforce are touring various secondary schools across the country to rally the youth to join voluntary national service locally known as Urugerero.While addressing over 1,000 youth from several schools in Musanze District, last week, Brig Gen Emmanuel Bayingana, the vice chairman of Itorero National Taskforce, said youth between the ages of 18 and 35 should participate in national service as part of their role in addressing national challenges. He said national service is not a new phenomenon because it was done by our forefather in the name of patriotism.“Youth should adopt a habit of voluntary work as part of national service,” he said.“Urugerero is the engine or ingredient of the youth, parents should also play their role to teach their children to appreciate the notion of national service,” he added.Students said the idea of voluntary service was welcome.“This is a crucial initiative; I am ready to join and use my energy to participate in the development of the country,” said Jean Paul Mbarushimana, a senior six student at Lycé de Ruhengeri.Musanze vice mayor in charge of Social Affairs Vincent Ndayambaje said the mobilisation will help the youth understand the importance of national voluntary service.