HUYE–The Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, has advised young Rwandans to actively contribute to building a strong and prosperous country.He was speaking on Wednesday during the launch of the Youth Connect initiative, a programme which seeks to enhance dialogue and skills exchange between Rwandan youth with an aim of engaging them in nation building.The initiative is a platform for youth to exchange ideas via various channels including talk shows, social media and conventions.Speaking at the event held at the National University of Rwanda (NUR), Nsengimana urged the youth to seize the opportunity and explore the available opportunities.“We want to build an active and innovative community,” he said.He emphasised that enhancing ideas exchange would boost the youth’s innovation capabilities.“We are focusing on developing the youth because they are the majority, are more innovative and do not fear to take risks while coming up with new ideas,” he said.The university’s rector, Prof Silas Lwakabamba, called upon students and the youth in general to be confident and determined if they were to be successful.“You need to be confident, to work hard, to think of new ideas and to be disciplined. That way, you will make a lot of difference,” Lwakabamba stated.Theodore Mujyanama, a first year student, commented: “This is a wonderful opportunity to exchange with others and learn from them. I hope the youth will earn much from this programme.”The Youth Connect is expected to grow into a big forum for the local young individuals and those from abroad to exchange ideas on the different ways of putting their skills to the benefit of the entire community.Apart from the exchange component, the programme is also expected to recognise best innovations by the youth.A national youth convention is due to be held mid December and will attract three successful entrepreneurs from each district.
