The youth are often cited among the key players in the country’s political, social or economic development.

However, if negatively influenced, they can contribute to the destruction of a country as was the case with Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

As Rwandans celebrated the 17th anniversary of the Liberation Day, yesterday, youth leaders commended the government for putting in place mechanisms that have seen the youth progress. 

Alphonse Nkuranga, the head of the National Youth Council (NYC) said he is optimistic about their potential contribution to the country’s political and economic liberation.

"The youth have a key role in ensuring the sustainable peace and economic development; they should work harder to preserve their dignity,” he said.

Charles Rusindi, who is in charge of Youth and culture at the City of Kigali, noted that the youth should concentrate on working in cooperatives for better output:

"Youth should organise themselves into cooperative, this is the one sure way of becoming prosperous,” Rusindi said. "They should strive to be job creators instead of job seekers,”

Pelagie Uwamariya Rutijanwa, a youth representative in parliament, acknowledged that economic liberation is still a challenge faced by the youth.

"The battle is not only for political liberation, but also setting ourselves free from the shackles of poverty.”

Uwamariya observed that some loan schemes which do not demand security were introduced by government to finance business plans for the youth who lack capital.

"Youth should go to school with an aim of being employers themselves, and not job seekers,” she emphasised.

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