Rwanda National Police

Students have been urged to stay focused during their holidays and desist from all sorts of unlawful acts including abusing drugs that lure them into other violent acts.

The message was delivered on October 28, by Ruhango Mayor Xavier Mbabazi, in a meeting with thousands of students from seven secondary schools in the district.

 School holidays begin next month. 

The meeting was also attended by the District Police Commander (DPC) CIP Adrien Rutagengwa, as well as members of Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Crime Prevention Organisation in the district.

“During holidays, you should conduct yourselves in a respectful manner. As young people, you should abide by the law at all times and reject violence, or any illegal activity that may undermine the security and safety of your communities,” Mayor Mbabazi said.

“Some of you may be lured by your peers to abuse drugs and alcohol, but you should have the courage and self-esteem to say no. Utilize your holidays in a manner that is beneficial to your families, community and Rwanda in general.”

CIP Rutagengwa echoed the mayor’s message by calling on the students to cooperate with law enforcers and local authorities to report any suspicious individuals in the community, as well as those who approach them with illegal proposals.

“Young people are targeted by criminals such as burglars, drug dealers and more worse a target of human traffickers. Such criminals can be overcome if the young people alert police about these individuals that approach. Such cooperation enables police to carry out efficient investigations and protect the communities. This is a responsibility that young people should always put forward,” CIP Rutagengwa said.

He further urged them to refrain from acts of alcoholism which are prohibited to those aged below 18 years of age.

The Headmaster of Ruhango Secondary School, Mansuel Kagabo, who also attended among other school heads, commended the students for concentrating on their studies, and urged them to listen to their elders’ advice in order to develop into responsible citizens.

Various students, who also spoke, rallied their colleagues to heed the calls and be a voice and agents of community policing to ensure safety and peace in their respective communities.