Young Rwandans Volunteer to Educate Public About COVID-19

ADF STAFF

Michel Kanamugire rarely stopped talking as customers passed by him at a crowded market in Rwanda’s bustling capital city.

Dressed in a bright yellow vest, the young man repeatedly reminded Kigali residents to wear a face mask, adhere to social distancing guidelines and wash their hands to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

“It is one of my contributions to the country. As the young people, we are the strength of our country, and it’s our duty to continue building from where others started,” Kanamugire told Anadolu Agency. “The job demands a lot of sacrifice without expecting a reward, but we try to put our hearts into it in order to save lives.”

Kanamugire is one of Rwanda Youth Volunteers’ 5,000 members who donate their time to inform the public about health precautions during the pandemic. They are seen and heard in Rwanda’s busiest urban centers, where they either work from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Established in 2013, the organization has about 380,000 members, who also help authorities fight malnutrition and illicit trade and supplement anti-corruption campaigns. Many of the volunteers are students or recent graduates. Police and other authorities train them before they are assigned tasks.

Eric Kayiranga, 20, reminded commuters that the pandemic wasn’t over as they passed through a busy taxi park outside Kigali.

“If we don’t respect these health guidelines, the chances of coronavirus infection are very high we will infect one another,” he told people. “Be mindful of your health and that of other Rwandans.”

Kayiranga, a Rwanda Scout and member of the Red Cross, told News Ghana that he had too much idle time during the pandemic and wanted to do something constructive. He took obvious pride in the work.

“We don’t receive any [pay], but I wake up early to prepare myself for a day’s work,” he said. “I make sure that I do my best to contribute to the fight against the coronavirus.”

Divine Akaliza, 19, was upbeat as she reminded people to keep a 1-meter distance from one another as they boarded a bus in a Kigali suburb.

“It is very encouraging when I am able to convince people to comply with the health guidelines,” she told News Ghana. “Sometimes it can be a hard job that requires patience to explain to passengers, but in the end they … understand that it’s in everybody’s interest.”

Volunteers say most people seem appreciative of their work.

Damascene Irakoze, a Kigali resident, said the volunteers explain health guidelines “politely and in a language everybody understands.”

“Their message is a perfect reminder even to those who don’t have time to listen to radio or follow through other media platforms,” Irakoze told Anadolu Agency. “It would be out of ignorance to waste time arguing with them.”

Abdallah Murenzi, who chairs Rwanda Youth Volunteers, said the young people are making a positive difference during the outbreak.

“They are constructively engaged in creating awareness,” he told Anadolu Agency. “So far, we are impressed by how effective their work is. The public is complying with the health guidelines.”