The event concluded with an impactful community tree-planting session on Kayihande Hill, a site historically prone to landslides.
This tree-planting initiative resulted in 9,000 trees being planted and drew the participation of high-profile dignitaries, including the Minister of Youth and Culture, Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima; Richard Kubana, the National Coordinator for Volunteer Youth in the Ministry of Local Government; Rubingisa Pudence, Governor of the Eastern Province; along with DCG Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza, Deputy Inspector General of Rwanda Police in charge of Administration and Personnel.
Additional attendees included officials from various security services, youth volunteer groups, and residents from the districts of Nyagatare and surrounding areas.
Minister Dr. Utumatwishima's Remarks
Minister Dr. Utumatwishima expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the youth volunteers for their dedication to Rwanda's development. He emphasized the critical role of young people in advancing the country while improving general welfare.
He stated: “The youth are the backbone of our nation and its builders. If misdirected, this energy can lead to destruction. We urge you to devote yourselves to development while holding firmly to your responsibility to protect our nation’s security.”
Dr. Utumatwishima encouraged the youth to embrace skill-building, actively engage in volunteerism, and take advantage of programs providing startup capital and job opportunities as a pathway to self-reliance.
Governor Rubingisa's Remarks
Governor Rubingisa applauded the participants for wrapping up the Month of Youth Volunteer Initiatives in the Eastern Province. He highlighted the symbolic significance of Gikoba’s historic site as the concluding venue.
He affirmed: “I sincerely thank the leadership for selecting Gikoba to conclude this inspiring event. Youth, you must embrace lessons from the sacrifices made by our historic leaders, who dedicated their youth to the service of Rwanda.”
Rubingisa additionally described youth volunteers as a vital force in national development. He encouraged them to educate citizens about proper hygiene practices, promote nutritious eating habits, reduce waste pollution, and foster civic responsibility.
He remarked: “Support children returning to school, foster cleanliness in communities, protect young girls from early pregnancies, and here in the Eastern Province, ensure roads are utilized safely by following traffic rules. Vehicle owners must minimize environmental pollution by optimizing vehicle emissions.”
DIGP Ujeneza's Remarks
DIGP Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza recognized the attendees and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable development. She acknowledged youth volunteers for their dedication and teamwork alongside law enforcement agencies.
She stated: “Rwanda’s remarkable history is familiar to us all, which is why Gikoba—a key site in our country’s story—was chosen for this event. Success in youth volunteer activities could never be achieved without the concerted efforts of all stakeholders working in unison.”
Nationwide Achievements of the Youth Volunteer Month
This nationwide initiative marked outstanding achievements by constructing 186 houses for vulnerable families, repairing 354 homes, and building 1,191 new latrines while repairing 523 others.
Moreover, youth volunteers established 13,011 kitchen gardens, planted an astonishing 361,457 trees, constructed 4 bridges, and rehabilitated 4,209 others—all aimed at improving the living standards of Rwandans.
In this inspiring event, 9,000 trees were planted, underscoring the youth-led efforts to build a greener and safer future for Rwanda.