Youth in Gasabo have been urged to prioritise their health, acquire skills and develop clear goals as Rwanda marked International Youth Day on Wednesday August 12. Minister of State for Youth and Arts Sandrine Umutoni said young people, who make up 73 per cent of Rwanda’s population, are central to the country’s future and should make the most of opportunities available to them. ALSO READ: Celebration of International Youth Day: Commitment to equipping youth with essential skills, opportunities to thrive The celebration of the International Youth Day themed “Stay Healthy. Get Empowered. Go Big” was held in different districts of the country. The Minister said the theme highlights three priorities for young people: maintaining good health, building their capacity and having a vision for their lives. “Within you lies the strength of our country, both today and in the future,” Umutoni told more than 1,000 young people who attended the event in Rutunga Sector in Gasabo District. She urged young people to avoid behaviour that could undermine their wellbeing, including drug use, consumption of substandard alcohol, teenage pregnancies and other harmful practices. She also encouraged them to exercise, eat balanced diets, get enough rest and take care of their mental and physical health. ALSO READ: International youth day: Youth urged to own peace building process On empowerment, Umutoni said the government has put in place programmes to help young people access education, vocational training, skills development, entrepreneurship opportunities and employment. She urged young people to take advantage of those opportunities and acquire skills that respond to labour market needs. “To young people, we ask you to study hard, avoid laziness and distraction, respect every profession, and continuously acquire new skills that correspond to the needs of the labour market,” she said. She also called on young people to embrace teamwork, uphold Rwandan values and participate in the country’s development. Umutoni advised the youth to develop a vision for their lives and contribute to the country’s long-term development ambitions, including Vision 2050. “If you maintain good health, uphold good values, acquire knowledge, use technology properly and work hard to develop yourselves, your future will be bright,” she said. Charles Avelino, Chief Education Specialist at the Ministry of Education who delivered a message from UNESCO, said the opportunities available to young people are increasingly becoming global. ALSO READ: Youth Day: Your ideas, discipline will sustain Rwanda’s gains – Youth told He said youth empowerment should include skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy, problem-solving, creativity and innovation. “The opportunities before you are global, but so are the challenges,” Avelino said, pointing to climate change, rapid technological change and changing economic realities. UNICEF also encouraged young people to participate in its Pan-African Student Competition, which seeks practical and inclusive solutions to challenges affecting children and young people across Rwanda and Africa. The UN agency is also marking 40 years of partnership with the Government of Rwanda this year. As part of the anniversary activities, UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and partners plan to support the planting of fruit trees in schools and early childhood development centres across the country. The International Youth Day celebrations were held across the country, with the national event taking place in Gatsibo District. In Gasabo, the celebrations also featured youth performances and dances, with singer Ariel Ways performing at the event.
