Rwandan students should be proud of themselves – Prime Minister
Students during a previous civic education camp. (file photo)
Prime Minister Pierre Damien Habumuremyi yesterday opened the 5th civic training for Rwanda students of Diaspora at Gako Military academy located in Bugesera, eastern province. He called upon the students to be proud of being Rwandan wherever they are.
“Rwanda is the fourth country in Africa when it comes to fighting corruption, and eight worldwide for easy access credit. You should be proud of being part of its development, you should be proud of being called Rwandans,” he said, adding that some people are not happy with what Rwanda has achieved so far. “The development achieved in Rwanda causes some to be jealous and make false accusations against us.”
He reminded them that the civic education (itorero) existed even before colonialism, as Rwandans’ school; as a channel through which the nation could convey messages to the people regarding national culture in areas such as language, patriotism, social relations, sports, dancing and songs, defense of the nation, etc. “This civic training will provide you with skills that allow you to be good Rwandan citizens with values.”
The itorero provides a culture-based channel that helps to mentor Rwandans on many different things, including re-education on the good cultural values that should characterize the Rwandan citizen. It also provides the formative training for leaders of the nation. Thereafter, itorero participants end up understanding that cultural values could help them develop their judgment, psychology, work and mutual aid, life and collaboration with others.
Historically, national fighters and grassroots leaders were selected from intore, as participants in itorero. Apart from military training, participants could benefit from other training in body to body struggle, splaying away, jumping, racing, javelin throwing, shooting, endurance etc. Participants also benefited from receiving other cultural training including: patriotism, attachment to the Rwandan spirit, wisdom, heroism, unity, taboos, eloquence, hunting, not to be deserters, etc.
The 5th civic training for Rwandan Diaspora students is attended by 258 Rwandan students, studying in 19 countries all over the World. It will last from July, 30 to September 11.
Posted by Jean-Christophe Nsanzimana
on Jul 31 2012. Filed under Daily News, National.
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