Seize every opportunity, Kagame tells the youth

President Paul Kagame has urged Rwandan youth to maintain a culture of learning and humility. Kagame was speaking at opening of the YouthConnekt Convention 2017, which attracted over 3,000 youths from different parts of the country and Diaspora, at Petit Stade in Remera, Gasabo District, yesterday.

“You must dare to constantly learn, and have humility to accept criticism as a means of improving yourselves. Those who criticise you help you learn, and in the process of criticism you eventually get a solution,” he told participants.

“As youth you have to seek knowledge, don’t reach a point where you feel like you are done with learning, your thirst for knowledge should be constant. Learning is a lifelong endeavour,” he added.

Kagame said that young people should strive to be the best they can be and not simply feel entitled. “Being young is not enough but it is a great opportunity. Being young does not mean anything until you invest in yourself with what will be useful to you, your family and your country.”

“Do not take anything for granted. When an opportunity is lost, it can never be regained,” the President added. He also emphasised that young people should work hard, adding that for as much as learning is important, discipline and values is what would drive them ahead.

“Values and how we express ourselves in those values, as well as how we manage ourselves in those processes is what matters most,” Kagame said.

The sixth edition of YouthConnekt Convention is running under the theme; ‘Youth at the Centre of Transformation.’ It brought together youth entrepreneurs, more than 250 Diaspora youth representatives, representatives of youth groups from different districts across the country, as well as delegates from over 11 countries.

‘Learn by connecting’

The President challenged the youth gathered in Kigali to learn by connecting with each other, not just as Rwandans but as Africans, and that they must strive to get a seat at the ‘high table’.

He reminded the youth that the problems Rwanda faces are somewhat similar to the problems that other countries in Africa have. If Rwanda decides to solve her own problems only, he said, it may not help much.

“We should, therefore, connect to solve the problems that we face as a continent. Rwanda is not an island. Connecting with other African countries is the key to addressing the challenges facing the youth,” he said.

“You are as good as your peers from other countries. Do not take anything for granted. It is up to us to work to be where we want to be and claim Africa’s seat at the high table,” Kagame added.

According to Rosemary Mbabazi, the Youth minister, the event attracted delegates from Sierra Leone, Republic of Congo, Arab Republic of Egypt; UN representatives, including those from Nigeria, DR Congo, Rwanda, Chad, Zambia, Sudan, Senegal, as well as African Union (AU) representatives.

The YouthConnekt Convention is an annual event that serves as a platform that brings together youth to deliberate on critical issues they face, such as unemployment, as well as share experiences. It is part of the YouthConnekt Initiative that was launched in Kigali years back before it was recently scaled up to other African countries.

The minister said that the Steering Committee members of YouthConnekt Africa are currently in the country to discuss how to enhance the welfare of the youth and help unlock their potential.

“Them being here is a demonstration of the collaboration being fostered among Africans,” she noted.

Yesterday’s event also featured presentations from different leaders, including the Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana, who tipped the youth on sustaining security and the effects of drug abuse, as well as the value of self-reliance in building the country.

During an interactive session with Kagame, the youth asked the Head of State to task leaders to increase reach and scope of youth friendly centres, ease the process of accessing funds from Business Development Fund (BDF), and extend vocational and training education to lower levels of education, among other things.

The youth will today participate in Umushyikirano (the National Dialogue Council) via video conferencing, where they will share their views with the other participants gathered at the Kigali Convention Centre.

Aline Mpinganzima, one of the participants at youth event yesterday, said that the gathering was important as it helps them chart ways through which they can contribute to the transformation and development of the country.

Jean de Dieu Gasana, a youth entrepreneur whose company, Gisagara Youth Innovation Centre, processes hides and skins, said that platforms like YouthConnekt Convention have helped the Rwandan youth change their mindset.

“Today, I have a company that employs about 58 people, including 32 women, and promotes Made-in-Rwanda products. This is due to platforms like YouthConnekt and the leadership of our country,” he said.

The New Times

UM– USEKE.RW