Editor,

The government’s idea of turning Iwawa Island into a rehabilitation and vocational centre-as reported in your paper yesterday- once again underscores its commitment to improving the welfare of the youth.

With the challenges of unemployment facing the youth today, this project offers a practical solution.  It should actually be taken as a matter of priority, to not only students who have failed to continue with the mainstream academic programmes, but to anyone who would like to up or diversify their skills.

The youth should not give up hope in life because they do not have formal education. They should not look to being idle, when the opportunity for practical skills training is available. I am one of those people who subscribe to the belief that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.

In fact I would recommend that Vocational education is also incorporated in mainstream education programmes so that graduating students can create their own jobs, instead of remaining job seekers.

Joseph Murenzi
Gisenyi