Youth convention opens today

The key recommendations from the youth gathering that takes place today dubbed National Youth ‘Connekt’ Convention are expected to be tabled before the National Dialogue (Umushyikirano) which will get underway tomorrow.Over 3,000 youth from across the country and the Diaspora will today attend the first ever National Youth Connekt Convention, which will be held at the Petit Stade in Remera. Addressing a news conference yesterday, the Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana said.Once the issues raised by the youth at the convention are discussed during the national dialogue, they will be implemented and not just ignored. “We know that the youth in Rwanda have something to say and we therefore want to give them a chance to speak and award those who are successful entrepreneurs.” Nsengiyumva also pointed out that plans are underway to decentralise forums such as the youth connekt up to village level.This way, he said, they will have a platform to advance their ideas and discuss pressing issues affecting them and also recognise the outstanding youth who are innovative and creative.The convention is expected to be held annually to bring together youth to deliberate on critical issues like unemployment and sharing experiences in different categories.So far the structures of the Ministry of Youth and ICT are up to Cell level but shall be scaled up in the near future.The Minister further called on the youth to take up the initiative and implement the innovative ideas and skills they have or get from the different youth trainings.He urged the youth to stand up and own their future thus calling upon them to form platforms, profit-oriented organisations and hold debates that are relevant to improving their livelihoods.