On Sunday, January 21, 2024, Mr. Yves IRADUKUNDA, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, officially closed the 2nd cohort of Itorero Indashyikirwa intended for Digital Ambassadors from the Eastern and Southern Provinces. Civic education for this cohort took place from January 16 to January 21, 2024, at Nkumba Ubutore Development Center.

In his speech, he expressed appreciation for the efforts and courage demonstrated by Digital Ambassadors across the country in assisting Rwandans to progress towards the achievement of NST1 targets regarding digitization. He reminded them that they are the canal through which all Rwandan citizens will be able to address ICT-related issues, especially while requesting essential services. He further reiterated that civic education package is an important way to help them tackle remaining challenges encountered on the field. During these sessions, they receive lessons on Rwandan values, public servant ethics, and job-related training."

He called upon them to get closer to citizens on a daily basis and teach them how to request necessary services without wasting time going to offices. Instead, they should use that time to engage in other activities aimed at developing their families. He reminded them that they have signed performance contracts and, therefore, should fulfill them to the maximum.

“As per the National Strategy for Transformation 1, the digitization rate by the end of this year should be 100% among the youth and 60% among adults, currently, we are at the rate of 60% in youth and 35% adults, so you understand that you have to make an extra effort to reach the target by the end of this year. It requires hard work, perseverance, honesty, patience and team work, all of which I am sure you have acquired from this civic education”.  Mr Iradukunda said.

He further thanked the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Education – MINUBUMWE for accepting the request and implementing it without hesitation, the experienced trainers who assisted during the training period, and the local government for their continued support.

The second cohort brought together 272 Digital Ambassadors from the Eastern and Southern Provinces.