A group of 237 young Rwandans attending the third edition of the “Imbuto Zitoshye” civic education programme in Burera District have been urged to turn their academic knowledge, talents and skills into practical contributions to the country’s development.
The 10-day programme, which began on August 16, is being held at Nkumba Patriotic Training Centre and will run until August 25, 2026.
Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde officially opened the programme, which seeks to equip young people with knowledge, values and civic responsibility to help them play a meaningful role in Rwanda’s future.
Participants are attending sessions covering Rwanda’s history, national unity, Rwandan culture and values, as well as their responsibilities in advancing the country’s development.
The group includes students who completed secondary school in the 2025/26 academic year after receiving support through the EdifiedGeneration project, alongside young people with talents and development projects supported by the Imbuto Foundation.
Kayumba Uwera Marie Alice, Director of Unity and Resilience at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, challenged the participants to bridge the gap between what they learn in school and the values and priorities that underpin Rwanda’s development.
“Take this programme as an opportunity to connect the skills and knowledge you acquired at school with Rwandan culture and the country’s development vision, so that they help you achieve what your families and country expect of you as we build the Rwanda we want,” she told the youth.
She emphasised that academic qualifications alone should be accompanied by strong values and a sense of responsibility if young people are to make a lasting contribution to society.
The programme also gives participants a platform to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore ways of turning their talents and projects into opportunities for self-reliance and community development.
Organisers expect the participants to emerge as responsible and skilled young citizens capable of contributing to their families, communities and the country’s broader development agenda.
The third edition of Imbuto Zitoshye comes as Rwanda continues to place young people at the centre of efforts to build a skilled, innovative and responsible generation capable of driving the country’s long-term development.
