Rwanda National Police

The Rwanda National Police (RNP) and local authorities have called for stronger engagement of youth volunteers in promoting community wellbeing, positive social behaviour and crime prevention through closer cooperation with local authorities and security institutions.

The call was made on Monday, August 24, during a youth volunteer mobilisation meeting in Kicukiro District, Kigali City, organised by the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) in partnership with RNP. The meeting also marked the start of a month-long nationwide mobilisation campaign.

The meeting brought together local leaders, police commanders, members of the national youth volunteer committee and youth volunteer representatives from Kicukiro to discuss ways of strengthening collaboration in addressing social and security challenges affecting communities.

Director General in charge of Community Mobilisation and Youth Volunteers Coordination in Community Policing at MINALOC, Richard Kubana, commended youth volunteers for their contribution to community development and national programmes.

He urged them to use their community networks to support families, promote responsible behaviour among young people and help address social challenges affecting communities.

“You are valuable to the country, and the country recognises and appreciates what you do. Use your position and the trust you have in your communities to guide young people towards positive behaviour, support families and contribute to addressing challenges affecting your communities,” he said.

DG Kubana highlighted challenges including family breakdown, harmful use of social media, sexual immorality, idleness and dependency among young people, urging the volunteers to contribute to addressing them within their communities.

Speaking on community safety and crime prevention, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Jackline Urujeni, who heads the Youth Volunteers Coordinating Office at RNP, described youth volunteers as important partners in crime prevention.

“Youth are among the most important resources for promoting community safety and development. They are energetic, connected to their communities, familiar with community challenges and able to use digital technology,” CSP Urujeni said.

She said effective engagement of youth volunteers can support early identification of security concerns, information sharing, public awareness and community mobilisation for crime prevention.

CSP Urujeni also clarified that youth volunteers do not replace police officers but complement law enforcement efforts through community-based prevention and information sharing.

She urged the volunteers to encourage young people to avoid alcohol and drug abuse and embrace productive activities.

“National development requires a strong and productive youth population. The strength that builds the country cannot build it when consumed by alcohol or drugs,” she said.

The mobilisation campaign will focus on strengthening cooperation among youth volunteers, local authorities and security institutions to prevent crime, promote positive social behaviour and support community development.