Police engages students to build safer communities

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has extended sensitization campaigns to secondary schools in Rulindo and Kirehe districts, as it continues to encourage the youth to become activists against crimes affecting their communities.

On September 2, Police officers in Rulindo and Kirehe districts met with about 900 students Ecole Baptiste Buberuka (EBB)‎ and Rugarama II Secondary Schools, respectively, where they were advised to be actively involved in planning and carrying out strategies to keep their societies safe.

In Rulindo, CIP Sano Nkeramugaba told the students that due to advancement in technology and changes in modern society, more criminals target youth and students in particular, which calls for vigilance against drug abuse, human trafficking and domestic violence among other crimes that affect the youth.

“You should mobilize fellow youth in your communities to help solve society’s most pressing problems and to devise means in which you can partner with law enforcers in overcoming law offenders,” he said.

“Through Anti-Crime Clubs, you should participate in projects to overcome crime and violence by volunteering in community-based crime prevention projects, mediate conflicts in your school and organize neighborhood anti-drug and crime events.”

The head of EBB Secondary School Anti-Crime Club, Giom Ntegano, commended police for being open and accessible to the youth, adding that partnerships in crime prevention should include youth at all levels in communities.

“Sometimes the youth are not taken serious and yet we have a say on the safety of our communities – that is why we are grateful that RNP and Rwandan leaders consider our role to be as vital as that of adults,” Ntegano, a senior five student, said.

“The youth are now aware of the challenges affecting them, and we are therefore called to be exemplary, patriotic and forward-looking in the ways we approach society issues. We therefore pledge to always be accountable and partner with police in overcoming crime.”

After the event, the youth joined police to publicly destroy locally made illicit brew and banned gin seized last month in Rulindo.

In Kirehe, AIP Gahigi Harerimana, called on school administrators to support forums in which youth can present their views to help raise awareness against crime and how to collectively foster peace in societies.

He also pledged continued support from police in areas of youth training and awareness in order to increase their ability to have a long-term effect on fostering community safety.