The Chairman of National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, Retired Bishop John Rucyahana, yesterday urged the youth to remain optimistic and utilise available opportunities to become agents of change.

He made the remarks while closing a two-week civic education training programme targeting 420 Genocide orphans under the  Uyisenga n’imanzi Association at the Rwanda Peace and Leadership Centre in Nkumba, Burera district.

Drawn from ten districts, the youth comprised of orphans of HIV/Aids and those abused at a tender age.

"Our country’s history resulted into such a big number of orphans. It is out of clear vision, hard work, resilience, strategy and sacrifice and resisting the past to affect our future, which is making Rwanda exemplary in Africa,” Rucyahana said.

To the orphans, it was time to celebrate togetherness, share experiences and determine how to face a promising future together.

"This experience has restored our faith, we no longer nurse hatred against those who wronged us,” one of the participants said.

The youth, who were awarded certificates, learnt about Rwanda’s history, economic development policies, unity and reconciliation among other subjects.

Ends