A call to empower Rwandan youth to create their own jobs dominated the general assembly of National Youth Council in Kigali.

Speaking at the meeting on Friday, Youth MP Philibert Uwiringiyimana, urged employers to facilitate youth placement in jobs by not insisting on work experience.

‘‘Apart from managerial positions, other jobs do not require working experience, Uwiringiyimana said.

Youth leaders from all sectors that attended the 18th assembly agreed that empowering the youth was imperative to reducing unemployment.

Norbert Shyerezo, the coordinator of the National Youth Council, said, "Job creation is still a challenge due to inadequate skills among the youth, especially for those that have tried to work together in cooperatives. They need skills to succeed.”

He urged the youth to shun drug abuse, be patriotic and partake in constructive projects.

Shyerezo, however, said some of the challenges the youth face in abid to create jobs are being solved through ‘Korawigire’ programme and the national employment programme (NEP) that has put in place advisors in every sector to help youth in job creation efforts.

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