Youth and ICT minister Jean Philbert Nsengimana has called on the youth to exploit their strengths to maximise available opportunities.

Nsengimana made the remarks during the fifth YouthConnekt Convention that attracted thousands of locally-based and Diaspora youth in Kigali, yesterday.

This year’s convention was held under the theme, "Shaping together the Rwanda we want.”

The youth were urged to make use of available opportunities and create jobs.

Nsengimana told them to remember their identity by always asking themselves what they stand for, working together and defending their dignity.

"Let’s us embrace responsibility and shape a better future of our country. Making use of the opportunities, preserving, developing and sustaining what has been achieved are our responsibilities,” he said.

According to the minister, some youths are not using their strengths to full potential.

"Each of you should wake up and do something. This should be based on the will to utilise available opportunities as a prerequisite. When you have strengths and ideas, you only need the will. You may not get a job but you can volunteer. Opportunities are abound in the country. It’s up to the youth to seize them,” he said.

At the forum, it was noted that there is a gap between available opportunities and the production but if this gap is bridged, production will increase along with employment opportunities.

"Knowledge and ignorance should not live together. The eagerness to work cannot allow a problem to live side by side with the solution,” he ended.

Activities

During the conference, youth entrepreneurs exhibited their products and services and took free HIV tests, donated blood, among other activities.

Clarisse Uwanyirigira, the coordinator of the National Youth Council, said the convention is very important as it motivates the youth to create jobs.

"Most of the participants end up becoming entrepreneurs because they learn a lot from this gathering. They are informed of the opportunities in the country and those who have participated, in turn, their colleagues in the community. Good leadership, security, financial services are among the opportunities that can allow people to run any business,” she said.

Rene Yves Uwayo, one of the youths who attended the convention, believes that there are enough opportunities for the youth to create jobs.

"For instance, the high population density in our country is an opportunity because whenever you have a market, any business can be viable,” he said.

"Besides the good a business environment, the Government is investing in education and having the right knowledge and skills is an opportunity like none.”

Uwayo urged young people to endeavour to address challenges instead of running away from them.

"Rwandans are growing in number and if we don’t grow opportunities it will be an obstacle to us. It’s a challenge that we, the youth, should start tackling so as to live a better future and leave a good country for the next generations,” he said.

YouthConnekt Convention is an annual event that was first held in December 2012.

Youth share their views on Youth Connect Convention

Daniella Mugisha, Kicukiro district

"When we are here, we learn how we can develop ourselves through lectures and dialogues. We are encouraged to think further especially we girls develop confidence that we can achieve anything. Every youth should have the opportunity to participate in this convention.    

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Rene Yves Uwayo, student UR’s College of Science and Technology

It’s where youth meet, share ideas and gain entrepreneurship skills. Bringing the youth together is an important thing because we have power that no one else has. We are the present and the future; we can start something and ensure its continuity.

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Nadege Ishimwe, from Nyarugenge district

"This meeting helps us broaden our minds, teaching us to be innovative. When we hear testimonies of others, we are encouraged to think deep and change mindset.

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Jean Pierre Nshimiyimana, student, University of Rwanda

"At this event, there are youth with not only different backgrounds but also different ideas. So it’s a good learning opportunity. Moreover, it’s a platform to display our ability and achievements.

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Jean d’Amour Nsanzineza, Karongi District

This event shows that we are valued and thus make us confident and take pride in our country. We are reminded of Rwandan values and our history and that we hold our future.

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Doreen Umurerwa, Kirehe District

It’s an opportunity to build networks with our colleagues. The awards given to young entrepreneurs also motivate us to emulate them.

Compiled by Steven Muvunyi

editorial@newtimes.co.rw