Rwanda: Youth from region kick starts a harmony- course

On July 31, 2012, a team of youths from member states of the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL) arrived in Rwanda to receive training in all key areas proved to be beneficial to the community.

Camping at Rubavu District the youths are undertaking courses in political stability and peace building and conduct charity activities.

The group of youths is comprised of the member states of the regional grouping, secondary school student or from institutions of higher learning in Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“The youth will construct a playground aimed at contributing to the development of recreational activities in the area, in order to enable youth from the different countries to share experiences and ideas on how to grow and work in harmony with each other,” said Joseph Litityo, an official from CEPGL.

Adding that as a sign of solidarity, the youth will in future conduct rotational visits in the three countries for similar peace charity campaigns.
Present at the official opening of the programme was the vice mayor of Rubavu District, Rachel Nyirasafari, who encouraged the participants to strengthen personal perception of moral values of different communities.

“The outcome of the campaign is impressive, especially as it comes at a time when security in our country is deteriorating by the day,” said Pierre Mrisho, a youth from the Democratic Republic of Congo. “The whole world is aware of the current situation in our country, making this campaign an important programme as a way to e find solutions.”

He was optimistic that by end of the two-weeks, he will have acquired the ability and techniques to help his fellow youth effectively participate in peace building in DRC.

The group will also engage in charity work advocating for peace building in the region, as part of their training.