The Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) has announced that members of the 16th cohort of Intore Indangamirwa have committed themselves to becoming solution-oriented and relying on their own knowledge, abilities and collective efforts to overcome challenges.
Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement Dr. Jean Damascene Bizimana made the remarks on July 28, 2026, when President Paul Kagame visited the 16th cohort of Intore Indangamirwa undergoing training at the Gabiro Military Training Centre.
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769 Young Men and Women Participate in the 16th Cohort
The 16th cohort comprises 769 young men and women, including 315 girls.
The participants come from four different categories: 137 Rwandans studying abroad, 125 students from international schools operating in Rwanda, 301 students from Rwandan higher learning institutions and universities, and 206 outstanding young people selected from districts across the country.
The new cohort joins 5,216 Intore who were trained through the previous 15 cohorts since the Indangamirwa Itorero programme was launched in 2008.
Gabiro Training Centre Improves Participants’ Learning Experience
Dr. Bizimana said that 2026 introduced important improvements to the Indangamirwa Itorero programme following guidance from President Kagame.
He explained that the programme was moved from Nkumba to the Gabiro Military Training Centre, which provides better facilities and improved living conditions for the participants.
He said, “You asked us for two important things, including placing the Order in this Gabiro center, which has all the facilities that were not available in Nkumba, where we worked. You did this with the aim of improving their living conditions and providing them with more care than before, especially by the Rwandan Armed Forces. This pleased these Ntore, who are very happy because they were well treated, in every way possible, and they are grateful to you.”
Number of Intore Participants Nearly Doubled
The Minister said President Kagame also directed that the number of young people participating in the programme be increased.
According to Dr. Bizimana, the number of participants was nearly doubled, while efforts will continue to improve the quality of training in line with changing times and the ideas shared by the Intore.
He said, “You asked us to increase the number of Intore, which was done in such a way that we almost doubled the number of those we were already training. We will not deviate from this path, and it will go hand in hand with continuing to improve the training, in line with the times and in line with the wishes and ideas given to us by the Intore, but especially by you yourselves.”
Former Intore Share Experience and Prepare Youth for Future Challenges
One of the new approaches introduced during the training involved lessons delivered by former Indangamirwa Intore.
The former participants shared their experiences and helped members of the 16th cohort identify challenges they may face in the future and develop strategies to prevent or overcome them.
The youth also received lessons about the Rwanda they aspire to build and their responsibilities in protecting the country’s achievements, creating new opportunities and contributing to national development.
Training Promotes Rwandan Cultural Values and Unity
Dr. Bizimana said the training emphasized the importance of preserving Rwandan cultural values and avoiding practices that undermine unity and social progress.
Participants were taught to live and work together through shared daily activities designed to strengthen discipline, cooperation and mutual respect.
They learned the importance of following a common schedule, participating in sports, doing laundry together, eating together and carrying out other activities as a group.
According to the Minister, these activities were challenging at first, but the participants later understood their importance and developed stronger relationships.
The collective activities helped them understand that national unity is strengthened through everyday actions and shared responsibilities.
Youth Pledge to Reject Dependence and Find Their Own Solutions
The training also encouraged the young participants to reject hopelessness and avoid depending entirely on others to solve their problems.
Dr. Bizimana said the Intore had committed themselves to using their knowledge, creativity and determination to find solutions to challenges affecting their lives and communities.
He said, “They vowed not to treat them as orphans, to understand that the solution lies in Bizimana or Biziyaremye, waiting for someone else to bring them solutions of knowledge or development. Now they know that they do not have to be Mbarubukeye, or Mbigirente, Ndimubanzi or Ntahontuye, Ntabuhungiro or Ntamakiriro. They have abandoned that despair with confidence in their own strength.”
He added, “They did not expect the international community or God to give us development because God has done His part, He has given us wisdom and insight to reach our goals. They understood this goal and all of them at once decided to fulfill their promises and to always fulfill them. They are now the Indangamirwa of the Imbangukanabigwi, they are more beloved than those who are different from them, and they are steadfast and have great promises. They are the Intore who will always be at the forefront of everything.”
Intore Commit to Fighting Challenges Affecting Young People
Dr. Bizimana said the commitments made by the participants are also based on the challenges affecting young people across the country.
During the training, some cases involving drug abuse and teenage pregnancy were identified, strengthening the participants’ determination to help address social problems that threaten the future of young people.
The Minister said the 16th cohort has committed itself to being among those at the forefront of efforts to prevent drug abuse, teenage pregnancy and other challenges affecting Rwandan youth.
