On Saturday the 27th October 2018, Never Again Rwanda staff joined different Justice Sector Institutions in a special Umuganda where thousands of local citizens joined to terrace their farmlands and plant 6000 trees across 22-hectars in the Kibinja Cell villages, in Busasamana sector of Nyanza District.
Umuganda has served as a space to enhance social cohesion among local residents; it reminds citizens of their civic duty to participate in community and national development.
During the special Umuganda, leaders of justice sector institutions and civil society organizations took the opportunity to raise awareness of human trafficking, drug trafficking and use, and cybercrimes. Community members also used the space to articulate their needs and express their opinions on various issues.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of Never Again Rwanda, Dr. Joseph Nkurunziza Ryarasa urged the participants to strengthen their unity, especially during Umuganda, by urging them to talk about issues of human rights and jointly seek solutions.
“Citizens ought to consider Umuganda as a tool for mutual assistance and social cohesion, but also an opportunity to strengthen unity, raise community issues of human rights and governance, while also envisioning potential solutions for these problems.”
Other dignitaries and officials called for collective effort in the fight against human security issues such as human trafficking, and cybercrimes. They pointed to the fact that speedy development has come up with its own security challenges and technology related issues.
Never Again Rwanda is a peace building and social justice organization which lay its foundation on empowering citizens to be active in decision-making processes, promote critical thinking skills, accountable governance, and a culture of peace. Taking part in Umuganda is contributing to the effort to rebuild society and nurture a shared national identity as well as supporting social cohesion.