English
Kinyarwanda
The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Commissioner of Police (CP) Vincent Sano, on Friday, July 31, urged about 500 youth volunteers from across Kigali City to champion the fight against drug abuse, illicit brews and substandard alcoholic beverages, particularly among young people.
The call was made during the annual General Assembly of Kigali youth volunteers held at the Gasabo District Conference Hall, which brought together the volunteers, Kigali City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva and other officials.
CP Sano urged the volunteers to educate communities about the dangers of drug abuse and illicit brews, help young people who have dropped out of school to return, and contribute to protecting families from their harmful effects.
"We urge you to play an active role in fighting drug abuse, illicit brews and substandard alcoholic beverages, which continue to destroy the health of many people, while others lose their lives. Take the lead in educating others about their dangers, help young people who have dropped out of school to return, and protect Rwandan families from their harmful effects," CP Sano said.
He said eliminating drug abuse and illicit brews would contribute to reducing the number of young people sent to rehabilitation centres and correctional facilities, teenage pregnancies, school dropouts and adults struggling with addiction.
DIGP Sano also reminded the volunteers that young people are the strength of today and tomorrow, urging them to prepare themselves for responsible leadership and make the fight against drugs and illicit brews a priority.
"You are the leaders of tomorrow, and you are the ones who will carry Rwanda's values forward and pass them on to future generations. That is why we urge you to start preparing now to become responsible leaders and good Rwandans who live healthy lives free from drug addiction. We seek your partnership in making the fight against drugs and illicit brews a priority and protecting communities, because no one else will build Rwanda's better future for us. We will build it ourselves, and everyone has a role to play in safeguarding security," he said.
Kigali City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva urged the volunteers to represent local authorities in their communities by providing timely information on the production and use of illicit brews and drugs, while encouraging young people to uphold positive behaviours and Rwandan values.
"We appreciate your work, which speaks for itself. Help us to completely eradicate illicit brews and drug abuse by providing timely information about where they are produced and those involved in their use. You should also play a role in encouraging young people to avoid drunkenness, idleness and other behaviours that are contrary to Rwandan values," Mayor Dusengiyumva said.
Uwitonze Alexia, Coordinator of Kigali City youth volunteers, thanked the leaders for the guidance and pledged that the volunteers would strengthen their efforts against illicit brews, substandard alcoholic beverages and drug abuse.
