PM launches National Volunteerism Service

The Prime minster yesterday launched the first ever National Volunteerism Service that engages youth who have just finished their A-level education. The program aims to train the youth and transform them into active players in the national development process.

The national governance and national service week was officially launched in Rwamagana district by the Prime Minister Dr. Pierre Damien Habumuremyi who began the launch by inaugurating a modern market known as Ntunga. The market was constructed as a result of support from the Rwanda Local Development Support Fund. Residents in the area were elated at the sight of a new market because harsh weather would destroy their goods in the open air market.

Addressing residents in Rwamagana district, the Prime minister said that good governance is one of the pillars of national development while recognizing how much Rwamagana residents have done in developing their district and have set the example of self reliance.

“The theme we are talking about today should encourage all of us to work hard towards self reliance, we should put a lot of commitment in our work, serve with commitment, whether you are a doctor, teacher, farmer, student, driver, do your work with commitment. “ He said.

Prime Minister Dr. Habumuremyi also called on Rwamagana district residents to strive for improvement of service delivery and fighting injustice. The launch of the governance week also coincided with the start of the countrywide wide national volunteerism services for youth who have just completed their A- level studies. The premier explained that this has been in the Rwandan tradition for years and it aims at training the youth and transform them into active players in the national development process.

He added that this program encourages volunteerism and national service among the youth while positioning them as active contributors in the socio-economic transformation of the country.

The Premier noted; “Long ago in the Rwandan culture, youth participated in national service voluntarily and as a law but their parents also contributed significantly and would escort them with cows to provide milk for them while they were in the service, this is an example to show you that this has been in our tradition. Therefore you young boys and girls, you should consider this a very important opportunity to restore the value of this great tradition.”

The governance month will focus on mobilizing citizens on the importance of good governance, fighting corruption and injustice, and creating awareness on civil rights.