NYANZA – Youth Minister Protais Mitali has challenged youth in the country to live responsible and exemplary lives.

Speaking during a seminar organised by orphaned children under the association Uyisenga n’Imanzi at Ecole Saint Esprit de Nyanza, Mitali told the youths to take personal responsibility for their lives.

"Your life is in your hands, how you chose to live depends solely on you,” he said.

The Minister advised the youths to avoid premarital sex, which he said puts them at a high risk of contracting HIV/Aids.

"You must know your role in protecting yourselves; no one can protect you without your involvement,” he added.

Chaste Uwihoreye, the national coordinator of Uyisenga n’Imanzi Association, said the seminar was meant to help participants acquire vital skills in fighting HIV/Aids.

"The seminar seeks to empower youth to speak out against HIV/Aids and to rally them against cross generational sex,” Uwihoreye said.

Fabiola Murekatete, one of the participants, called upon young girls to shun those seeking to lure them into premarital sex.

"Your future lies in education, seize the opportunity and prepare for that future,” she counselled.

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