Students at the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) have been urged to embrace patriotism, uphold national values and contribute to Rwanda’s development.
Eastern Province Governor Pudence Rubingisa made the call on Monday, August 24, 2026, while officially opening the sixth edition of Itorero Intagamburuzwa for RICA students in Bugesera District.
Rubingisa urged the students to uphold Rwandan cultural values in their daily lives and work with students who previously completed the programme to promote and strengthen those values.
He also encouraged them to support government programmes and contribute to their implementation, particularly efforts to combat drug abuse, illicit alcohol and other harmful behaviours that could undermine young people and the country’s development.
Alice Kayumba, Executive Director in charge of National Unity and Resilience, told the students that the country expects them to make a meaningful contribution while recognising the opportunities Rwanda has provided them, including training in values of integrity and patriotism.
She urged them to become responsible Rwandans who love their country and are ready to contribute to its development.
The students were also encouraged to help prevent harmful content and behaviours targeting young people through social media, while maintaining discipline, working hard in their studies and striving for academic excellence.
The Intagamburuzwa programme at RICA was introduced in 2021 after the institution’s leadership decided that every student would undergo Itorero before beginning academic studies.
The initiative was established to strengthen discipline, positive conduct and values among students after the institution observed that students who had previously undergone Itorero demonstrated positive behaviour and values that supported their studies and relationships with others.
Since then, the programme has become an important part of RICA’s orientation for students, focusing on integrity, patriotism, teamwork and participation in addressing challenges affecting society and the country.
