On this 11th October 2013, the youth from different areas in Musanze District, gathered at Ubworoherane stadium, were sensitized on the fight against vices that threaten the youth such drug abuse and premature pregnancies.
A report released by the Gender Monitoring Office has shown that in 2012, 522 unwanted pregnancies among girls between 10-18 years were recorded.
Hundreds of young males are annually taken to Iwawa Rehabilitation and Vocational Skills Development Centre (IRVSDC) because of drug abuse-related problems.
The ongoing campaign focuses both on preventing premature pregnancies and sexual intercourse between people who are not married leading to unwanted pregnancies ,
It also reminds youth on the harmfulness of drug abuse and how the youth should improve their socio-economic status while contributing to the national development as well.
Addressing the gathering in Musanze District, MP Philbert Uwiringiyimana, the youth representative in Parliament, told the youth to cherish their lives as the only valuable wealth and once they misuse it they hurt not only their future, but that of the country as well.
“The youth is the strength of the nation and we strongly value your contributions to the national life a lot, we want you to be wealthy at school because there you are the most vulnerable,” said Uwiringiyimana.
Clement Twizeyimana, the youth representative in Musanze District, said this year alone, not less than 15 unwanted pregnancies were recorded while over 35 youth were taken to Iwawa for rehabilitation.
“Unwanted pregnancies and drug abuses are vices we should all work collectively to eliminate and this campaign is one of the measures to that, we will keep mobilizing the youth to fight against it,” said Twizeyimana.
Students were also urged to reveal information relating cases of the so-called sugar daddies ladies who either rape or lure naive young girls and boys into sexual acts.
“This campaign is good and timely. As a student I am committed to fight against drugs and sexual activities. I am reminded that my life is my wealth and I will take care of it,” said Moses Rubibi, a senior four student at Sunrise High School in Musanze.
Another female student, who only identified herself as Uwineza, said she will do the best to protect against any temptation that could lead her into premature sexual intercourse.
After the sessions of Nyanza, Rwamagana and Musanze, The National Youth Council will continue to mobilize the youth from other districts against drugs’ abuse and unwanted pregnancies schedule to begin early 2014.
Source:Public Relations in MYICT
