Nsengimana meets Musanze youth representatives

Musanze – The Minister of Youth, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, has urged youth in urban areas to be exemplary by working hard, creating jobs and initiating income generating initiatives, without shunning agro-related activities. The minister, who was meeting with youth representatives in Musanze District, visited their initiatives, and held discussions with them on the integration of youth activities in Imihigo (performance contracts).“You should have bigger dreams beyond Vision 2020. The government has opened all doors to fight unemployment, you need to come together, and be creative. The opportunities here lie untapped, don’t be shy to try new ventures,” Nsengimana urged. The minister requested district officials to register all new youth initiatives which will be screened at the national level for support in terms of materials and funding. He commended Remera-based COOMIVA, a youth cooperative involved in electronics, tailoring and plumbing, as well as a 25 year model entrepreneur, Peregline Duhungirehe. The Coordinator of the National Youth Council in Musanze District, Andrew Rucyahana, revealed that his office is in the process of building a website, which will highlight youth activities, opportunities and market ventures. The youth outlined challenges that included lack of collateral when seeking loans from banks, lack of market and insufficient skills in vocational initiatives. The minister promised to ensure that it opens a permanent office in all districts to deal with their problems, and act as a link between the ministry and the districts.