The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Operations, Commissioner of Police (CP) Vincent Sano, urged youth volunteers representing about 500 others from Kigali City to fight against drugs, illicit alcohol and substandard drinks, which are widespread among young people, and to play an active role in raising awareness among the public to resist and avoid them.
He made this call on Friday, July 31, during the annual general assembly of youth volunteers held at the Gasabo Multipurpose Hall, attended by DIGP CP Vincent Sano together with Kigali City Mayor Dusengiyumva Samuel and other leaders.
Youth Encouraged to Protect Communities
CP Sano asked youth volunteers to take the lead in combating drugs and substandard alcohol because they harm health, cause children to drop out of school, create family conflicts, poverty, and other crimes that threaten security.
He said: “We ask you to play an active role in fighting drugs and drinks not made in a proper way because they continue to destroy many lives and others lose their lives. Take the lead, teach others about their dangers and consequences, help youth who dropped out of school to return, and protect Rwandan families from these drinks and drugs.”
He continued: “If you eradicate drugs and substandard alcohol, it will be reflected in the reduction of youth sent to rehabilitation centers, prisons, teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, and the number of adults addicted to them.”
DIGP Sano Urges Youth to Uphold National Values
DIGP Sano told the youth volunteers that young people are the strength of today and tomorrow, and the country is fortunate to have them as agents of positive change.
He said: “You are tomorrow’s leaders, you will carry Rwanda’s values and pass them on to future generations. That is why we ask you to prepare now to be good leaders and good Rwandans with healthy lives free from drugs. We want your partnership to make it a mission to fight drugs and substandard alcohol, to protect citizens, because Rwanda’s bright future will be built by us ourselves, and security must be safeguarded by everyone.”
Kigali City Mayor Calls for Community Leadership
Kigali City Mayor Dusengiyumva Samuel asked youth volunteers to represent leadership in their communities, where alcohol abuse and drug use are visible.
He said: “We appreciate your visible work. Help us eradicate substandard alcohol and drug use by providing timely information on where they are produced and consumed, and play a role in encouraging youth to avoid idleness, misconduct, and other behaviors contrary to Rwandan values.”
Youth Volunteers Pledge Continued Action
The coordinator of youth volunteers in Kigali City, Uwitonze Alexia, thanked them for the advice and guidance, promising that they will intensify efforts to fight substandard alcohol and drugs while striving to build a safe Rwanda.
