The Minister of Youth, Protais Mitali, has commended Junior Chamber International (JCI) for not only supporting the youth economically, but empowering them to participate in the country’s development.

Mitali was speaking during a hand over ceremony that saw JCI-Rwanda get a new administration headed by Lydia Hakizimana - the first time in six years that a woman leads the organization.

JCI votes in new leadership annually.
"Emulate your predecessor and even aim higher. Maintain the excellent work of training the leaders of tomorrow,” Mitali said.

The Minister promised to work with the organization in the implementation of projects to support youth in the country.
JCI is an international NGO that aims at promoting youth (members) through coordinating, conducting and facilitating trainings basically in four major areas of entrepreneurship, leadership, fellowship and self responsibility.
In her speech, Hakizimana promised to serve and embrace the team work spirit in making JCI grow in terms of benefitting a bigger number of Rwandans.

JCI comprises of young business persons, university students and some renowned entrepreneurs and according to officials, the number has grown to 50,000 members.
Also present was the CEO, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), John Gara, who gave some tips of how Rwandan youth can become successful businessmen.

"Before making a decision of opening up a business, plan for it,” Gara said, adding that planning includes determining your market, competitors and challenges with in that business.

He also called upon youth to be able to distinguish their strength from the weaknesses whenever deciding to take on any venture.

"When you admit to your weaknesses, that’s when you search for solutions to go about it,” he said.
Meanwhile, during the event, E-Gisubizo,  a JCI project that helps connect the young generation to job opportunities, was launched. 

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