From Sunday, the 17^th of October 2021, the Minister of Local Government Hon. Gatabazi Jean Marie Vianney conducted a two-day working field visit in different districts of Western Province.

The visit of the minister was kicked off with interaction with citizens of Bugeshi sector in Rubavu District, as he commended their active contribution and collaboration with security organs in maintaining security in the area.

On this occasion, he handed over eight cows to eight vulnerable families to help them grow economically and fight malnutrition in their respective families. The cows were donated by NRS from Iwawa Rehabilitation Center on behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic.

The minister also visited Iwawa Rehabilitation Center (IRC) located in Rutsiro District where he met with the 22^nd intake of 1,593 delinquents mainly youth who are recovering from drug abuse among other deviant behaviors.

Minister Gatabazi reassured the youth that their families, and the country in general believe that they will come back changed for good; and encouraged them to passionately pursue TVET studies and rehabilitation sessions they get so that they can create better life when they go back to their respective communities.

“When you finish your rehabilitation time here at Iwawa, I encourage you to continue strengthening the bonds, unity, and collaboration you are building here. If you stay together, the knowledge you are acquiring here could help you create joint projects and jobs for you and even others. The Government has put in place financial schemes that through districts support youth initiatives. You have a country and a leader - H.E President of the Republic who love the youth.” He said

Prior to his lecture, minister Gatabazi toured the Rehabilitation Center to witness different programmes designed to help the youth with practical skills that accompany their rehabilitation process.

Besides psychosocial and medical treatment of delinquents and drug addicts, the center also offers different lessons namely carpentry, masonry, tailoring, modern agriculture and animal husbandry, literacy and numeracy, computer and motorcycle driving in collaboration with WDA.