Youth leaders to focus on improving livelihoods

National and district youth coordinators and vice-mayors countrywide, on Friday, signed performance contracts committing to focusing on activities to improve youth livelihoods such as job creation, and saving groups. The signing was presided over by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and ICT, Rosemary Mbabazi, and witnessed by Boniface Rucagu, the Chairman of National Itorero Commission, among other government officials. At least 300 youth cooperatives and 2148 new saving groups will be created during this fiscal year. They also committed to conduct campaigns against unwanted pregnancies, smoking, HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, and street children, among others. Mbabazi urged the youth to work hard and be innovative in developing the country. She also called on Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA) to work closely with new youth cooperatives and support them for sustainability. “RCA should help the youth to get all required documents to form cooperatives,” Mbabazi said. “Youth are the arms of the country. They need guidance to fulfill their responsibilities. Local leaders have to partner with them,” she added. Rucagu, on his part, reminded the youth that the vision of the country depends on their strength. “The country’s liberation and reconstruction was made possible by the young generation. They also protect the dignity of our country,” said Rucagu. He observed that the country is proud to have an active and patriotic young generation who uphold its values and contribute to national development. Best performing districts awarded During the signing ceremony in Kigali, the ministry recognised three best performing districts in the implementation of youth performance contracts for the fiscal year 2015-2016. Clarisse Uwanyirigira, the National Youth Council coordinator, said that three sectors including economic development, social affairs and good governance were key in evaluation. She presented the results of the performance contracts in which Kamonyi District emerged the best with 80.2 per cent, Ngororero second with 79.8 per cent, and Gasabo third place with 79.3 per cent. Nyaruguru District emerged fourth with 78.7 points while Ngoma emerged fifth with 78.1percent. The worst performing districts were Rulindo with 62.4 per cent, Nyamagabe 62.7 per cent, Nyagatare 63 per cent, Rusizi 63.4 per cent, and Kicukiro 63.6 per cent. Youth coordinators speak Ernest Kamanzi, the National Youth Council coordinator for Kamonyi, attributed the outstanding performance of the district to team work, saying youth were engaged in all development activities. He added that in partnership with local leaders they would double efforts to maintain their position. Daniel Nshimiyimana, the National Youth Council coordinator for Rulindo, blamed their poor performance on lack of team work among leaders. He added that such evaluation awakens people. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Youth leaders to focus on improving livelihoods