On March 5, 2025, the Minister of Local Government, Dr. Patrice Mugenzi, officiated a graduation ceremony for about 5,000 former delinquents who completed rehabilitation at Iwawa Rehabilitation Center in Rutsiro District.

In his remarks, Minister Mugenzi encouraged the graduates to apply the skills they acquired at the center and leave behind negative behaviors such as theft, smoking, and drug abuse. He thanked them for their resilience and emphasized that the government believes in their ability to change.

“You learned short courses to develop yourselves, your families, and the country at large. The courses you took, including construction, sewing, carpentry, motorcycling, farming, and agriculture, all have significant market potential,” the Minister said.

He reminded the graduates of the practical vocational skills they had gained, such as construction, sewing, carpentry, and agriculture, and encouraged them to use these skills to improve their lives, support their families, and contribute to the country's development.

The minister also highlighted that the country is counting on their positive impact, and that the government is committed to supporting them beyond the center.

A representative of the graduates expressed gratitude on behalf of the group, promising to be positive role models in the community. He thanked the government for giving them a second chance to turn their lives around, saying, “We thank the Government of Rwanda for the opportunity to reform. We made mistakes that could have led to serious consequences, but you gave us a chance to change. We are grateful, and we have changed.”