The youth in Rwanda have little to complain about. In fact, they are living in an era where they help shape their own future.

The leadership of this country realised very early that the youth was the key to building this country. Not only were they the backbone of the liberation struggle, today they are the indefatigable engine that is revving towards even further horizons.

This year has seen many activities that target the youth such as summits and platforms to not only showcase their talents, but also be assured that the Government was fully behind them.

At the ongoing National Umushyikirano Council – a national dialogue where Rwandans from all walks of life meet to discuss the country’s issues –, over 2,500 who had just attended the YouthConnekt Summit are also in participating exchanging ideas with the architects of this country’s policies.

In these kinds of events, the youth are brought from different parts of the country and diaspora. The just-concluded YouthConnect Summit brought together young people living in the Diaspora and those who had been attending a national civic education training (Itorero).

It is a very important component in moulding the youth where they are taught patriotism, Rwandan values, but above all, self-belief. Today we see the outcome as nearly all the middle managers in government institutions today passed through the process and their output is visible to all.

Itorero is now decentralised and taken down to the villages. And just as in ancient Rwandan practice, they will be divided into similar age groups and receive guidance according to their needs. It is like travelling back in time but the outcomes are timeless.