Rwandan youth in Canada have expressed the desire to work towards the development of their motherland.

Recognising the key role they can play in the country’s development, the youth, last weekend, launched the Canadian Association of Rwandan Youth (CARY), which has a goal of building a strong community of Rwandan youth that strives to contribute socially and economically to the development of the country.

"This association will promote personal and professional growth among young people through initiatives that bring them together,” said Francis Twesigye, one of the founding members of the association.

The organisation was first launched in Ottawa with a view of having individual and independent chapters in various cities across Canada.

The launch of CARY was attended by a delegation from Rwanda led by Senator Wellars Gasamagera, who is in Canada to interact with the Rwandan Diaspora in the North American country.

"Youth is the hope of the country,” Gasamagera told the youth.

He highlighted the crucial role youngsters can play in the development of their nation by stressing the need to work towards the realisation of Rwanda’s vision 2020.

"You need to stay united and understand that you hold the power to bring positive changes to your country,” he said.

CARY has a mandate to promote solidarity, mutual assistance and cultural diversity among Rwandan youth in Canada.

"You have a bright future ahead of you, a reason enough to strive to develop your country,” Gasamagera added.

The association is open to Rwandan youth who discuss and plan for a better future.

MP Alfred Kayiranga Rwasa congratulated the youth for the initiative that will bring them together to strive for a common cause

"Their contribution is crucial and it should be stimulated,” Rwasa said.

The launch of CARY was preceded by a women’s conference on their role in national development.

Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Canada, Edda Mukabagwiza, gave a presentation on Human Rights and Women Rights.

She praised the leadership in Rwanda for having put in place mechanisms that promote women rights and promote gender.

"All we have achieved as women in Rwanda, we owe it to our President,” said Mukabagwiza.

The participants held group discussions on various social, political and economic issues that affect women in Rwanda.

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