National and district youth coordinators and vice-mayors across the country yesterday signed performance contracts with the Minister for Youth and ICT, Philbert Nsengimana, committing to creating jobs for the youth, among other things. 

The coordinators and vice-mayors committed to help establish 300 youth cooperatives, create jobs and savings groups, and support vulnerable people.

They also committed to participate in community services, fight drug abuse and unwanted pregnancies, among other activities for the 2015/16 financial year.

Nsengimana urged the group to make job creation their main concern among the youth.

"We have to turn challenges into opportunities. Today’s investors are more likely to invest where there are challenges than any other area. You should do your best to overcome the challenges by working together with development partners,” the minister said.

"Job creation should be your main concern in your performance contracts. Creating cooperatives is a good act but being in cooperatives doesn’t mean that someone is employed. Youth coordinators, in collaboration with local authorities and all development stakeholders, should help engage the youth into groups where they can work together. You should listen to youth committees in your districts and help them develop their talents.”Best performing districts awarded

During the same event in Remera Sector in Kigali, the ministry recognised three best performing districts in the implementation of youth performance contracts for the Financial Year 2014/15.

Norbert Shyerezo, the National Youth Council coordinator, presented the results of the performance contracts in which Ngoma District emerged the best, Huye second, with Rutsiro in third place.

Ngoma was awarded a trophy and laptop, while the rest walked away with laptops.

The worst performing districts were Kamonyi, Gatsibo and Rusizi.

Emmanuel Bugingo, an official from the Ministry of Local Government in charge of social protection, assured of government support and called on the youth coordinators to ensure sustainable development.

"You can achieve a lot if you work together. Youth must be invested in because they play a crucial part in the development of the country. Local authorities should approach the young generation to mentor and help them,” Bugingo said.

Jean Claude Karasira, the National Youth Council coordinator for Ngoma District, said team work and close partnership with youth committees and local authorities would be key to their performance.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw