Rwanda National Police

Four schools in Rubavu District have formed three anti-crime clubs through which they will debate and raise awareness against various crimes.

The schools are GS Amahoro, GS Umubano I, GS Kanembwe I and GS Saint Joseph.

The clubs focus on addressing pertinent issues that affects especially the young people such as illicit drugs, teenager and unwanted pregnancies, sexual behaviors which also lead to unplanned pregnancies and HIV/AIDS infections, as well as human trafficking and smuggling.

Students say they decided to establish these anti-crime clubs after some of their schoolmates were involved in criminal acts such as drug abuse that leads to school drop-outs, sexual practices leading to unwanted pregnancies.

“We want to drive change, guide our colleagues and tell the people in our communities that what they are doing is not good to us the children,” Fortuné Tuyizere, who was elected to head the clubs in GS Amahoro, said.

“Some of the young people get to know the dangers of abusing drugs where they are already addicted, and we want to add a voice in the already available efforts against illicit drugs, human trafficking and child pregnancies,” said Clemence Umuhoza, another student.

Currently, they are over 2000 anti-crime clubs in the country, majority schools, which are instrumental in raising awareness against various crimes.

Anti-Crime Clubs also contribute to the security and build a better education system embraced with focused and capable youth.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Innocent Gasasira, the spokesperson for the Western region, who attended the event to form clubs, thanked the students for taking the step to voice the challenges they face and to be part of the solution.

“It is one thing to establish these clubs but it’s another thing to use such platforms to influence change. As police, we are always here to support you in creating impact and working together to make our societies safe while protecting young people from becoming victims or being used in criminal activities,” CIP Gasasira said.

He particularly urged them to always report drug dealers and people who might approach them with offers either within or outside the country, which is one of the ways used by human traffickers.

He also gave them communication channels through which they can always reach out to police and report crimes, violence they face or witness.

The channels include toll-free lines 116 for child help line, 3029 for Isange One Stop Centre; 112 for Emergence and 997 for corruption.

He also urged them to always reach out to the nearest police station or local authorities for help or to report anything illegal or criminal.