First Lady challenges youth to be change agents

SOUTHERN PROVINCE HUYE - The First Lady Jeannette Kagame, yesterday challenged the country’s youths to be at the forefront of positive change and to impact change in their communities. Speaking during the launch of Youth Empowerment Workshops set to kick-off in all the country’s five provinces organised by the Imbuto Foundation, which she chairs, Mrs Kagame called upon the youth to use their most productive years profitably. According to the First Lady’s press office, “The launch of the Youth Empowerment Workshops which took place in Huye Province brought together 140 young Rwandan professionals from Huye, who are from the private and public sector, and civil society. Topics at the launch included rising above mediocrity, forging a culture of transparency and dialogue, and carrying on the legacy of patriotism.” It is in this vein that Mrs Kagame stressed the importance of abiding by the national values that demonstrate the true meaning of being Rwandan. “Simple values like proper time management, completion and love for work, timely reporting at our work places should identify the youths,” said the First Lady. She called upon the youth to avoid shifting blame, but rather take responsibility for their actions and to be open minded and learn other success stories. Mrs Kagame urged the youth to reject the culture mediocrity, but to always strive to achieve and to show passion in their work. Rejecting the culture of mediocrity, with a determined focus on delivery and development was one of the ten key messages from the 6th National Leadership Retreat that took place in Rubavu district of the Western Province last month. The Youth Empowerment Workshops for 2009, complements the Youth Leadership and mentorship programme initiated in 2007 by Mrs Kagame under the Imbuto Foundation. The Youth Leadership and Mentorship Programme is specifically divided into categories; Celebrating Young Rwandan Women Achievers Forum and Awards, and the Imbuto Foundation Youth Forum Series. The Foundation’s Youth Leadership and Mentorship Program is aimed at acting as a platform for promoting sustainable leadership opportunities for young Rwandan leaders of tomorrow, in turn, contributing to the development of RwandaYouth Empowerment Workshops will focus on conveying messages of self-dependence, wealth creation, self-confidence, instilling a culture of excellence and encouraging implementation of ideas that can develop the Country. In his remarks at the launching ceremony, the Minister of Culture and Sports, Joseph Habineza, challenged the youth to strive to leave behind a legacy worth emulating. He challenged the Youth to show ambition in their work and develop a culture of excellence. “You should resist the urge to feel comfortable in your present situation. Always aspire to achieve more,” advised Habineza. Dr Joseph Kagabo, in his presentation on the theme ‘Against a Culture of Mediocrity’ said that mediocrity is alien to the Rwandan culture. “Mediocrity should be fought at personal, household and community level. You should learn to evaluate yourselves and strive for greatness in their deeds,” said Kagabo. Participants also received presentations from Dr Anastase Shyaka on the theme; ‘Carrying forward a Legacy’ and from Zaina Nyiramatama on the theme; ‘Forging a Culture of Transparency and Dialogue.’ The next workshop takes place today in Kigali at the Serena Hotel. During the month of March, the Imbuto Foundation will hold these workshops in every province under the theme: “What does it mean to be a Rwandan today?” The launching ceremony was also attended by the Provincial Governor Fidele Ndayisaba and provincial officials. Ends