More than 440 young Rwandans from within the country and the diaspora have completed the 15th edition of Itorero Indangamirwa, a flagship civic education and patriotism program designed to nurture future leaders grounded in Rwanda’s values, culture, and development vision.
The graduation ceremony took place on August 14, 2025, at the Nkumba National Ubutore Development Centre in Burera District.
Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva presided over the event, delivering a compelling message that challenged the graduates to serve as ambassadors of Rwanda’s image and to actively counter false narratives about the country wherever they go.
This year’s cohort included 208 young women and 235 young men. Among them were 105 Rwandans studying abroad, 103 from international schools operating in Rwanda, and 235 top performers from the national community service program (urugerero).
The diversity of the group, drawn from different backgrounds and experiences, reflected the program’s inclusive approach to instilling patriotism in all Rwandans, regardless of where they live or study.
Since its inception in 2008, Itorero Indangamirwa has trained more than 5,500 young people. Participants undergo 45 days of intensive training, which also includes sports, military drills, community work, and language learning.
The program blends cultural education, leadership skills, civic responsibility, and an understanding of Rwanda’s history, both its achievements and the challenges it has overcome.
In his address, Nsengiyumva emphasized that the knowledge and skills acquired during the training are not meant to replace formal education but to strengthen it, creating a foundation for a more united, purposeful, and progressive Rwanda.
He urged the graduates to join forces with alumni from previous cohorts to uphold and advance the values they have learned.
“As young people, we expect you to build upon the lessons of this itorero and make your contribution to our journey of development. Work together with those trained before you, so that the values and principles you have drawn from this program are preserved and strengthened,” the Prime Minister said.
Nsengiyumva warned that outside Rwanda, there are individuals and groups who deliberately spread misinformation and attempt to tarnish the country’s reputation. He told the graduates that their civic training should serve as a tool to confront such falsehoods.
“To those who defame Rwanda, respond with facts and defeat them with the truth. As Indangamirwa, you must project a positive image of Rwanda wherever you are. Carry Rwanda in your heart, uphold its values, and take pride in being Rwandan,” he urged.
He also reminded them to begin reflecting on their personal role in nation-building, keeping in mind Rwanda’s key pillars including economic growth, social welfare, good governance, and security.
He stressed that Rwanda’s history has proven that determination and collective will can achieve any goal, and that no lesson from the country’s past should go to waste.
The Prime Minister further cautioned against habits that undermine both personal growth and the nation’s progress, urging the youth to embrace discipline, responsibility, and community spirit.
On his part, Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, noted that the Itorero Indangamirwa program has had a measurable impact, equipping thousands of young people with the knowledge, confidence, and patriotism needed to contribute to national development.
He revealed that the government is planning to expand Nkumba’s facilities to host more participants and to create similar civic training initiatives in districts across the country.
“This will allow more young people to be trained in Rwandan values and culture, helping to build a generation that is firmly committed to protecting and advancing our nation,” Bizimana said.
For many of the graduates, the experience was transformative. Some diaspora participants who had previously struggled to speak Kinyarwanda improved their language skills significantly during the program.
Others developed a stronger sense of identity, pride, and purpose. Many spoke of the friendships, teamwork, and discipline they gained, qualities they say will guide them in future leadership roles.
As the 15th cohort joined the ranks of more than 5,500 Indangamirwa alumni, the government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that civic education remains a central pillar in shaping the country’s next generation of leaders, both at home and abroad.
