English
Kinyarwanda
By IP Francois MUGIRANEZA
Born from a bold idea to involve youngsters in crime prevention, contribution to human development programs and assisting law enforcers, youth volunteerism has now become one of the strongest pillars in the country’s pursuit of social transformation, lasting peace and security.
Many have seen them wearing their fluorescent ‘yellow or lime green reflective vests’ at public events, from the COVID-19 response period, to the recent Global Cycling Championship held last September in Kigali. Their visibility reflects not only dedication and successes but also a quiet discipline that has redefined civic responsibility among Rwanda’s youth.
Public perception has always been one of admiration. The work carried out by these young men and women is widely praised. Yet, many still wonder how the government managed to convince such a large number of young people to work tirelessly without pay. As their name suggests, they are volunteers.
The explanation is both simple and systemic. According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), 27 percent of Rwanda’s population is youth; defined as between 16–30 years old, an energetic workforce eager to contribute, learn, and shape the future. Channeling this energy toward national security and social well-being was not an accident but a deliberate policy choice.
From vision to action
The idea of youth involvement in security matters took formal shape in 2015 when the Rwanda National Police (RNP), through its Community Policing Department, began working with young volunteers to promote awareness and cooperation in crime prevention.
In collaboration with security organs, Youth Volunteers support families in enhancing nutrition through community sensitization and the establishment of kitchen gardens
“The youth are the strength of a nation. They can build fast, but when misguided, they can also destroy fast,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Teddy Ruyenzi, who heads the department. “That is why we engaged them early, to channel their potential towards safeguarding peace and promoting development.”
Since then, the partnership has grown into one of the country’s most effective civic movements. Today, more than two million youth volunteers (2million+) are active across Rwanda, working hand in hand with the Police and local leaders to promote safety, discipline, and community welfare.
How the partnership works
Under the Community Policing framework, the Rwanda National Police established a clear structure for coordinating youth volunteer activities. Officers from the department are deployed at regional and district levels to oversee operations, conduct inspections, and provide regular training sessions.
“A lot has changed over time,” ACP Ruyenzi explained. “We have been monitoring their performance, supported their leadership, and ensure they receive the skills needed to perform effectively.”
The community work/ Umuganda in Gasogi/Gasabo district, brought together members of the public, security organs and youth volunteers in a collective activity of tree planting to fight soil erosion
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Jackline Urujeni, who heads the Youth Volunteers Coordinating Office at the department described them as a living example of citizen centered security.
“Most volunteers are students and workers, future leaders who have proved their strength in contributing to the country’s security and development,” CSP Urujeni said. “They have played a key role in fighting crime, preventing accidents, and even supporting national efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Service beyond policing
The contribution of youth volunteers extends beyond crime prevention. Working closely with the Police, local authorities, and the community, they engage in activities that directly improve people’s lives, from building houses for vulnerable families to rehabilitating genocide memorials and promoting health insurance registration.
“Security is not just about patrols or arrests,” CSP Urujeni noted. “It is about solidarity, compassion, and supporting those in need. That is the spirit these youth volunteers represent.”
Short term joint initiatives are often organized where youth volunteers work alongside Police officers and local residents, digging kitchen gardens (uturima tw’igikoni), rebuilding damaged homes, or helping genocide survivors. These efforts bridge the gap between law enforcement and community service.
Richard Kubana, the Director General at the Ministry of Local Government in charge of community mobilization and youth volunteers, noted some of the significant impacts countrywide in promoting security and development.
“Going by our analysis, since 2013 to this date, the monetary value for services provided by Youth Volunteers is estimated at around 64 billion Rwandan Francs.
Building houses for disadvantaged families falls within separate activities youth volunteers are regularly engaged to improve people's lives
During the recent nationwide outreach dubbed “Youth Volunteers Month,” which concluded on November 6, 2025, activities included the construction of 234 new houses and the repair of 516 others. In addition, 1,337 new toilets were built and 448 rehabilitated, 5,066 kitchen gardens were established, and nine cows were donated to disadvantaged families.
It is also worth noting that during the UCI World championships conducted in Rwanda in September, over 500 members of the RYVCP were deployed across the roads in the City of Kigali, to help riders bike freely and safely.
Voices from the field
For Eric Bayisenge, the National Secretary of youth volunteers, the cooperation with the Rwanda National Police remains the cornerstone of their success.
“We cannot achieve our goals without the support of the Rwanda National Police,” he said. “Through the Community Policing Department and in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, we receive guidance, follow up, and training that enable us to fulfill our mission effectively.”
Yvette Uwase, who is in charge of promoting youth volunteers’ activities at the secretariat, shared a similar view. “Police support us whenever we face challenges in our work,” she said. “Our main focus is preventing crime, assisting vulnerable people, monitoring community patrols (irondo), and encouraging families to join health insurance schemes.”
Building professionalism and trust
The Community Policing Department continues to strengthen youth volunteerism through systematic reforms that ensure accountability, training, and performance evaluation.
“We now have a national database of youth volunteers who are disciplined, visionary, and ready to play their part in keeping Rwanda free from crime,” ACP Ruyenzi said. “Our focus now is on improving timely reporting and professionalism to make their work even more impactful.”
Youth volunteerism has played a major role in supporting the enforcement of regulations on road safety, COVID-19, and the recent UCI World Championships, among others
As Rwanda continues to grow, with expanding cities, more roads, and larger public events, the need for organized community based vigilance will only increase. The department plans to further build capacity and integrate technology to support their operations.
Youth volunteerism in Rwanda has evolved from a small awareness campaign into a nationwide movement for peace and accountability. It has shown that the country’s greatest resource, its young people, can be a force for both security and human development.
Through their work, these volunteers are redefining what it means to serve. Their lime green reflective vests are no longer just a uniform; they are a symbol of discipline, patriotism, and shared responsibility.
