First Lady Jeannette Kagame yesterday urged girls to get informed, inspired and involved so as to be good leaders and citizens.

Mrs. Kagame said this while addressing 250 girls participating in a one-day youth forum organized by Imbuto Foundation at Parliament.

She emphasized the desire to have well-informed Rwandan youth who can bring about positive change, in addition to being able to favorably compete on the international job market and in so doing, reach their limitless potential.

The event was part of the now regular Youth Forum Series (YFS) that bring together segments of youth and features exceptional speakers on topics ranging from professionalism, entrepreneurship, communication, and economic self-reliance.

In the latest forum themed: "Informed. Inspired. Involved,” the First Lady said, it was important to inform the young girls how the Parliament operates at an early age.

"We think this program will enhance the manner in which they express their views, as well as sharpen their critical thinking,” the First Lady said.

"You are not too young to learn how the Rwandan parliament functions,” she told them.

"This is the beginning because it is the first time we are conducting such a forum but we are planning that this program can be extended to other youths”.

Shortly afterwards, the girls – mostly 14 to 18-year olds – put into practice what they learned.

They elected their own parliamentary Speaker and her deputies, divided themselves into the usual parliamentary committees and went ahead to scrutinize pieces of legislation, as is done in a real parliamentary setting.

Girls impressed, inspired

Fawe Girls School’s Diana Nshuti, 18, is already thinking way beyond her dream to become a doctor.

"I appreciate many things about this event. The theme today, ‘Informed. Inspired. Involved,’ is what inspired me most. I have got to be the best of what I can be or achieve. I am now studying physics, chemistry and biology, meaning I am aspiring to be a doctor in future,” Nshuti told The New Times.

"But I also have other goals too. I have this ambition to one day set up a company that takes care of street kids.

A company that has people with specialized skills to mentor street kids by using better methods.”

The Youth Forum Series

The Youth Forum Series (YFS) also create opportunities to unleash young talent in different ways.

Over 20 forums have been held since 2007 with a number of themes including: ‘Ingredients of Success’ for university students, and ‘15 Years and the re-birth of a future generation’ for young genocide survivors.

Imbuto Foundation also continues to award hundreds of Best Performing Girls (BPGs) countrywide who excel in both primary and secondary schools.

Aurore Umutesi, one of the BPGs awarded in 2008, was at parliament and, she told Sunday Times that such forums were "a good opportunity for young girls to be inspired to make an impact in their country.”

"This is a real chance to know and understand that this [parliament] could be their future. They too can become leaders and impact many lives. People dream of what they have been exposed to and these young girls are lucky to have this opportunity,” said Umutesi, who is now a course facilitator at Kepler, a university program awarding American degrees to Rwandan students in Kigali.

Prior to joining Kepler, Umutesi was a mathematics teacher at Rwamagana Lutheran School, and a multi-subject tutor to university students at William Penn University, in the United States.

In 2012, she received her degree in computer science and information technology from William Penn University, where she was a presidential scholar.

Also in attendance were the Speaker of Parliament, Mukabalisa Donatille and the Minister ofSports and Culture, Uwacu Julienne who closed the one day forum.