President Paul Kagame has donated cows to thirty rehabilitated ex-delinquents through the Girinka program to promote livelihood and discourage recidivism. The best performers among the trainees will receive cows, which Minister Patrice Mugenzi emphasized as crucial for sustainable development. Over 6,400 individuals have graduated from rehabilitation centers, with the focus on securing jobs to prevent relapse into delinquent behavior.
President Paul Kagame has generously donated cows to thirty ex-delinquents as a part of the Girinka program, an initiative aimed at encouraging rehabilitation and minimizing recidivism. Minister of Local Government, Patrice Mugenzi, announced this during a graduation ceremony at Iwawa Rehabilitation Centre on March 5. The most exemplary trainees, as chosen by their peers from each district, will receive a cow to assist in their post-rehabilitation endeavors and improve their livelihoods.
The Girinka program aims to provide sustainable development by offering support to rehabilitated individuals, helping them secure employment and thus reducing the chances of reoffending. Mugenzi emphasized that this initiative is crucial for fostering successful reintegration into society. Over 6,400 trainees have graduated from various rehabilitation centers, where they acquired skills such as agriculture, tailoring, and masonry.
Statistics reveal that approximately 17 percent of rehabilitated individuals revert to delinquent behavior, including substance abuse. Fred Mufulukye, Director General of the National Rehabilitation Service (NRS), stated that securing jobs for these individuals is vital to combatting recidivism. He underscored the importance of vocational training and the need for engagement in productive activities to prevent a return to delinquency.
Graduates like Jack Germain Tuyishime, a 28-year-old from Kigali, shared their positive experiences at Iwawa. Tuyishime, who holds a degree in mass communication, found value in the psychological support provided. He is now ready to contribute to the clothing industry and is open to public relations opportunities. Another graduate expressed a commitment to personal growth and a desire to participate actively in national development, stating that they have transformed into a responsible citizen who poses no threat to society.
In summary, President Kagame’s initiative to donate cows to rehabilitated ex-delinquents forms part of a broader strategy to enhance livelihoods and discourage recidivism through the Girinka program. By equipping individuals with vocational skills and supporting them in securing employment, the rehabilitation system aims to foster meaningful reintegration into society. The testimonies from graduates further illustrate the program’s success in transforming lives and building more productive citizens.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
