Editor,

I read with keen interest Junior Sabena Mutabazi’s article, "Ignore the youth at your own peril” (The New Times, July 31). Having interacted very closely with both the Ministry of Youth and ICT, and the Ministry of Education, it is my firm belief that the new Rwanda has and will continue to support the youth in their quest for excellence

The programmes initiated by the Government of Rwanda are always geared towards empowering the youth and encouraging them to perform to perfection.  

Please allow me to share with your readers that when a leading Indian University visited the Ministry of Education, the concerned officials at the ministry very rightly guided the university officials to introduce courses and programmes geared towards enhancing the job prospects for our youth while at the same time encouraging these young minds to look at starting and developing their own businesses.

Again, the Ministry of Youth and ICT promotes the latent talent through "Youth Connect” and various other interesting initiatives.

"Rwanda Calling”, an initiative to promote trade, tourism and investments into the country, also encourages and supports the youth of this great nation, with particular focus on the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

During the first edition of Rwanda Calling held in Kigali in January this year, a Rwandan youth was invited to Thailand for a comprehensive training in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. While during the second edition held in May, this year, another Genocide survivor, educated in Computer Technology, was able to secure a position suitable to her qualifications with an Indian company now operating in Rwanda.

A couple of years ago, the Indian Merchants’ Chamber had  invited and hosted an outstanding student from the then School of Finance and Banking for their International Conference on Banking and Finance in Mumbai.

In conclusion, I do believe that the youth of this nation, under the visionary guidance and astute leadership of President Paul Kagame, will continue to become "leaders” in today’s challenging world.

Clarence Fernandes, India