Youth have been urged to find solutions to challenges such as poverty, ignorance and divisionism in their communities.

The Minister for Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, made the call on Tuesday while closing the first phase of Itorero programme for youth leaders ‘Inkomezamihigo’ at the National Ubutore Development Centre in Burera District, Itorero for youth leaders was organised by the Ministry of Youth and ICT in collaboration with National Itorero Commission and other institutions.

This is the first phase of Itorero for youth leaders and was composed of 376 youths from Kigali, Western and Northern provinces.

Nsengimana said: "The foundation has been laid to help us win the struggle against ignorance, poverty, divisionism...by always challenging yourselves to be better people you will be more useful to yourselves, your families and your country.”

Norbert Shyerezo, on behalf of youth leaders, said as youth leaders they will be organising holiday activities for students to sensitise them on drug abuse and saving culture.

"Even in our districts we will organise a quarterly Umuganda (voluntary community work) where young people will be participating in various activities to help the communities they live in, he added.

Moral values

The National Itorero Chairperson, Boniface Rucagu, reminded the youth leaders to contribute to the betterment of the nation by instilling moral values in their peers.

"I hope you are going back with a transformed mindset, and committed to contribute to the country’s mission of shaping a brighter future where Rwandans will live together in harmony and prosperity,” Rucagu said.

The participants comprised youth representatives at national, district and sector levels.

The training was conducted under the theme, "We choose to be the foundation and pillar of development."

The second phase of Itorero for youth leaders from Southern and Eastern provinces is due November 9 to 18.

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