Africa-Press – Rwanda. A total of 443 young Rwandans, aged between 18 and 25, have graduated from the 15th Itorero Indangamirwa cohort. The programme, which brings together participants from the Rwandan diaspora, international schools in Rwanda, and outstanding youth from all districts, aims to deepen their understanding of the country’s history, instill national values, and inspire patriotism.
Graduates say the 45-day training equipped them with the skills and mindset to serve as informed, engaged ambassadors for Rwanda’s vision.
A traditional ballet performing at the event
For Ally Hamis Rwemera, one of the graduates, the key lesson was the value of a home country.
“Studying outside Rwanda is good, but nothing surpasses bringing that knowledge back home and working together with others to build the Rwanda we envision for ourselves and our descendants,” he said.
Josiane Muhorakeye echoed similar sentiments, noting that Itorero had taught her valuable lessons.
“It is now up to us, Rwandan youth at home and abroad, to embrace these lessons, uphold our culture, and promote unity. By doing so, we will work together harmoniously and inspire others to respect Rwanda through our positive actions,” she said.
Minister Jean Damascene Bizimana joins members of Itorero Indangamirwa during a morale boosting session during the closing ceremony of Itorero Indangamirwa at Nkumba in Burera District on Thursday, August 14.
For Clemence Mwizerwa, a mother of two who has lived in Canada for over a decade, sending her children to Itorero was one of the best decisions she has made.
“As a parent, I cannot teach them everything about our country. Over the past 45 days, they have learned a great deal from various speakers. This is a strong foundation I can build on, and I hope they will share what they learned with their peers abroad,” she said.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement Jean Damascene Bizimana said plans are underway to expand the capacity of the Nkumba National Ubutore Development Centre to train more youth.
“In the provinces and districts, we will establish systems to train our youth, the Intore,” he said.
The minister noted that the programmme has so far trained 5,561 young men and women since its inception in 2008.
The 15th cohort included 208 girls and 235 boys from the diaspora, international schools, and youth representatives from across the country.
Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, who presided over the graduation on August 14 at Nkumba centre, urged the graduates to become ambassadors of Rwandan values and vision.
“You must first understand the Rwanda you want before working to build it,” he said, describing Itorero as a civic education platform that unites citizens around a shared vision for sustainable development.
He emphasized that under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), promoting Kinyarwanda and reinforcing Rwandan values such as honesty, loyalty, transparency, and the fight against corruption remain priorities.
“These values will only be achieved if Itorero works well,” Nsengiyumva stressed. “The lessons you have learnt here complement your formal education, providing a strong foundation for the future of our country.”
He also challenged graduates to work alongside alumni from previous cohorts to preserve Rwanda’s history, counter distortion, and promote the truth.
The 15th edition ran from July 1 to August 14, at the Nkumba National Ubutore Development Center in Burera District, Northern Province.
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