Rwanda National Police

Members of the Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Crime Prevention Organization (RYVCPO) in Gakenke District have been called upon to reignite the ongoing programmes aimed at fighting and preventing crimes and to improve safety in communities.

While officially welcoming and recognizing the youth crime preventers in Gakenke on April 20, Chief Supt. Dismas Rutaganira, the Northern Region Police Commander (RPC) singled out drug abuse as an issue that requires immediate response of the young generation in their communities.

"All crimes can be prevented or reduced if we actively work together to identify and apprehend those involved. Some of these wrongdoers are known in communities, so hold that mantle as crime preventers in your villages," CSP Rutaganira.

He urged them to reach out to the fellow youth that could be involved in drug related crimes, counsel them or report them to be rehabilitated.

They were also urged to form cooperative societies and start income generating activities.

They were given Rwf100, 000 as a start up for a joint income venture, which is a contribution from police officers operating in the district.

Gakenke District Mayor, Deogratias Nzamwita echoed the role of the youth in shaping the future, which can only be possible on a firm foundation of sustainable security and peace.

Norbert Hategekimana, one of the youth volunteer thanked Rwanda National Police for reaching out to the youth and pledged strong cooperation in ensuring community safety.

Present was also the District Police Commander, SSP Gilbert Ruhorahoza.

The Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Crime Prevention Organization is composed of about 1500 members countrywide including students, who have been engaged in activities of supporting vulnerable communities by giving them medical insurance, livestock and carryout crime prevention awareness programmes in schools and communities against drug abuse, corruption ,  gender and domestic violence, among others.