Rwandan Values and Risky Behaviours in Society
Primary 6 · Social and Religious Studies
Rwandan Values and Risky Behaviours in Society
Lesson 2 of 4
13 min
Keza's older brother, Ishimwe, has just finished Senior 6. Instead of resting at home, he spent weeks in Urugerero, the national service, with other young people from his sector. They built a small house for an elderly widow and taught families about healthy meals for children. "I feel proud," he tells Keza. "I learned that serving your country starts in your own village."
Itorero was a traditional Rwandan school. Young people chosen to attend it were called Intore, which means "the chosen ones". There they learned Rwandan culture, good behaviour and the taboos to avoid. They also trained their bodies and learned to defend the country. The colonial rulers stopped Itorero in the 1920s.
On 16 November 2007, Rwanda brought the national Itorero back as Itorero ry'Igihugu, a school of values and patriotism for all Rwandans. Today it runs in villages (Itorero ry'Umudugudu), in schools, in workplaces and among Rwandans living abroad. Since 2013 it has included Urugerero, a national service in which young people who have finished secondary school volunteer for their community. Since 2021 it has been run by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE).
A citizen is a person who legally belongs to a country. A person can be Rwandan by birth or can become a Rwandan citizen later through the law.
A good citizen:
Tip
A good citizen is a Giver, a Keeper and a Builder. A Giver gives time to the community, a Keeper keeps the law and keeps public things safe, and a Builder helps build the country.
Answer: The chosen ones.
Answer: 2007.
Answer: The national service in which young people who have finished secondary school volunteer for their community.
Answer: Any two of: obey the laws, take part in development, pay taxes, protect public property, vote, respect others, report crime, defend the country.
Answer: Tell a teacher or school leader straight away, because the tap is public property that serves everyone.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
Written by Ganzaa. The history of Itorero and Urugerero was checked against the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (minubumwe.gov.rw, link only, no text copied).
Quick check
Put these events in the order they happened.
Tap the cards in the right order.
