NYAGATARE- 712 students drawn from various schools in Nyagatare District have completed a four-day youth camp.

The annual youth camp was organised by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) CHF- an international development and humanitarian aid organisation, under the ‘Higa Ubeho’ project.

According to USAID officials, this year’s camp targeted 16,000 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in secondary schools across the country. The camp brought together school children aged between 12-18 years.

"The camp supports young people to build skills in resilience, helping them develop self-confidence and gain knowledge and skills to plan for a better future,” said Jane Mutoni, an official from USAID-Rwanda.

She added that 30-day camps will be organised in 20 districts across the country with the aim of empowering OVC’s with skills to create a better future for themselves, their families and the entire community.

Speaking at the closure of the camp, on Sunday, Innocent Sebagira from USAID, told the students to practise the skills acquired in their daily lives.

"This camp is meaningful to you. You should effectively apply the skills you gained here,” he advised.

During the training camp held at SOPEM Rukomo Secondary School in Rukomo sector, participants were given opportunity to share achievements and challenges related to personal goals.

They also discussed issues related to relationships, gaining practical skills in school and future employment.

"I learned how to contribute to the development of my country. I got to know that development begins from the family,” one of the students, Diane Keza, said.

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