The Minister of Youth and Arts, Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, has urged members of Interact and Rotaract clubs to leverage their leadership skills for the betterment of their communities through community service.

He made the remarks during the chartering of three Interact clubs and one Rotaract club on Friday, March 22, at the University of Rwanda-College of Science and Technology.

Interact is a Rotary International service club for youth aged 12–18, while Rotaract brings together adults aged 18 and older, helping them develop leadership skills and make a difference in their community.

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The chartered Interact clubs were from Gashora Girls Academy, Kigali International Community School, and Agahozo Village Shalom, with a Rotaract club at the University of Tourism and Business (UTB) Rubavu.

Utumatwishima expressed optimism about the potential of the club members, whom he addressed as future leaders, to make significant contributions to their country and beyond.

"You are very lucky to be exposed to these kinds of leaders, directors. Don't take it for granted,” he remarked, adding that those who lived under the genocidal regime never had such opportunities.

"Our current leadership has made it possible for us to attain the right leadership skills. They see the young people as playing an important role in building the future and becoming future leaders,” he noted.

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Utumatwishima commended the Rotarians for their work, encouraging collaboration between the clubs and the ministry to achieve positive outcomes together.

The event featured a panel discussion on "Employment and Job Creation for Youth as a Catalyst for Global Peace,” with the minister taking part.

The Minister reflected on the optimism of youth and the disappointment many faces upon entering the job market and highlighted the prevalence of youth involvement in economic crimes due to a lack of direction and employment opportunities.

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Utumatwishima further emphasised the importance of education in addressing youth unemployment, noting efforts in Rwanda to provide educational alternatives and opportunities for skill development.

In his remarks, Gordon Mclnally, the President of Rotary International, who is on a work visit in Rwanda, expanded on his belief that peace transcends absence of war or conflict, encompassing elements such as good health, education, and adequate housing.

He highlighted the importance of tackling the root causes of conflict to prevent the onset of wars, and commended Rwanda as an exemplary case, having visited the country for over 20 years.

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Reflecting on his visit to the Reconciliation Village in Bugesera, established by Rotary in 2016, Mclnally recounted an encounter with a genocide survivor who now resides peacefully alongside a former perpetrator who has undergone absolution and forgiveness through the judicial system.

He underscored the attainability of peace, citing the co-existence he witnessed as a testament, thanking the Rotary family and Rwanda for their role in inspiring the journey towards peace.

Cynthia Umutoniwabo, Co-founder and CEO of Loopa, a Rwandan climate tech startup that won Hanga PitchFest 2024 highlighted the importance of alliances in her success, including building a company that focuses on hiring and training individuals who may not have had traditional educational opportunities.

She stressed the importance of community support and embracing failures as integral aspects of the journey toward achieving goals, urging members of Interact and Rotaract clubs to engage in community activities and societal dialogues, aligning with Rwanda’s leadership's encouragement of such participation.

Jean Claude Mutabazi, Program Coordinator of Max Foundation, emphasised the importance of fostering an environment that champions equality and inclusivity, pointing to the necessity of providing open facilities for gender equality, social work, and liberty as essential components in promoting global peace.

Mutabazi underscored the importance of empowering young people to comprehend and contribute meaningfully to societal progress, highlighting the interconnectedness of global peace and social well-being.

He urged the Rotary youth to take an active role in shaping the future of the world.