Gen-Z Comedy has launched a programme to establish comedy clubs in high schools across Rwanda, giving students opportunities to develop their performance skills, receive mentorship and explore careers in the creative industry. The initiative began October 11 at Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare (GSOB), where 20 students joined the school's newly established Indatwa Comedy Club. ALSO READ: How Gen-Z Comedy creates space for youth engagement on national issues The launch was attended by Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana, director general of the Rwanda Education Board, and Parfait Ishungure, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Arts. Through the programme, students interested in comedy will receive regular guidance from established performers and take part in shows organised at their schools. ALSO READ: Rwandan film starring Sonia Rolland screens in French cinemas Gen-Z Comedy plans to visit participating clubs twice a month to help students improve their material, build confidence and develop their stage presence. Each club will also host a comedy show once per school term. Gen-Z Comedy will sponsor the events and provide the resources needed to stage them. The shows will be free to attend, with members of the comedy group performing alongside students. For students who show strong potential, the programme could provide a route into professional comedy. Participants may get opportunities to perform at Gen-Z Comedy shows during school holidays or after completing their studies. Merci Ndaruhutse, popularly known as Fally Merci, a founder of Gen-Z Comedy, said the initiative is intended to help young people discover their abilities early and consider whether comedy is a career they would like to pursue after school. The programme also aims to introduce more young people to live comedy. “By bringing performances into schools, we hope to build interest among students who may later attend shows outside the school environment.” Gen-Z Comedy plans to expand the initiative to other schools, with a target of establishing six clubs each school term. The long-term goal is to reach schools across the country. The programme comes as Rwanda continues to explore ways to support young people in the creative industries.
