Iwawa: 2,001 youth reintegrated into society after completing rehabilitation program.

A total of 2,001 young people have been successfully reintegrated into society after completing a one-year and four-month rehabilitation program at the Iwawa Rehabilitation Center located in Lake Kivu, Boneza Sector, Rutsiro District. The event was officiated by the Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana, alongside the Inspector General of Police, CG Felix Namuhoranye, and the Governor of Western Province, Jean Bosco Ntibitura.

Addressing the graduates of the 25th intake, Minister Habimana urged them not to return to the behaviors that had led to their admission to the rehabilitation center. He noted that an analysis had shown that 95 percent of those admitted to rehabilitation centers had been affected by excessive alcohol consumption, often accompanied by drug abuse.

"The good news is that when you return home, you will find that many of the substandard alcoholic beverages previously available have been removed from the market," he said. "The Government is continuing its campaign to eliminate harmful alcoholic drinks that have negatively affected many young people and others. We therefore urge you to completely avoid alcohol abuse and all forms of illicit drugs."

Youth at Iwawa Rehabilitation center

Minister Habimana encouraged the graduates to make productive use of the knowledge and skills they had acquired during the rehabilitation, emphasizing that government institutions and local authorities stand ready to support their transition into employment and self-reliance.

He also encouraged the youth to actively participate in government programs at village, cell, and youth levels, noting that these platforms promote national values, entrepreneurship, civic awareness, and provide opportunities to contribute to the country's development.

During the rehabilitation, participants received training aimed at changing both their behavior and mindset. Courses included Rwandan cultural values and taboos, self-leadership and responsible decision-making, as well as vocational training in construction, carpentry, tailoring, agriculture and livestock farming, and mechanics. Overall, the 25th cohort comprised 4,845 trainees, of whom 2,001 successfully completed the rehabilitation program. 

Youth showcased some of their activities including agricultural initiatives