Forty-one enthusiastic youths celebrated their graduation from the Youth Political Leadership Academy (YPLA) during an event held on Friday, June 16. The ceremony, organized by the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations, brought together representatives from political parties in Rwanda as well as a vibrant group of youth committed to shaping the nation's future through collaborative leadership. ALSO READ: African youth have the potential to create the continent they need One of the graduates, Clemence Umubyeyi, emphasized the importance of the lessons learned during their time at the academy. She said: We delved into our country's history, recognizing the detrimental effects of bad leadership and the tendency of some political parties to monopolize power. Through this program, we were instilled with a strong commitment to national development, urging us not to waste time and resources on pointless disagreements but to work collaboratively towards our common goals. The YPLA aims to train and equip young leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to actively participate in politics and contribute to the development of their country. The graduation marked the successful completion of courses designed to nurture political awareness and foster a spirit of collaboration among the youth. During the ceremony, Alfred Ndahiro, the head teacher responsible for imparting knowledge to the graduates, emphasized the vital role of effective communication in political careers. He stated: A proper leader, a visionary leader, must communicate with his or her constituents, listen to their concerns, and engage with the media to address any questions that may arise. Staying informed about current affairs and taking appropriate action is essential for a successful leader. Elizabeth Mukamana, the spokesperson of the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations, expressed satisfaction with the YPLA's accomplishments. She highlighted the valuable insights gained by the graduates regarding Rwanda's political landscape. ALSO READ: Political parties’ call for political education of Rwanda’s youth timely These graduates possess knowledge that sets them apart from ordinary citizens with political aspirations, she noted. This marks the nineteenth intake, and we are proud to say that 1,364 youth have already graduated and are actively contributing to their respective political parties. ALSO READ: Commonwealth launches new website for young leaders to collaborate, promote innovations Another graduate, Romeo Mugisha, expressed gratitude for the valuable skills gained through the academy. As the youth and the future leaders, we received comprehensive training in political campaigns, political debate, public speaking, and more, he said. We have acquired the knowledge and tools necessary to work together effectively, fostering unity in our pursuit of shared objectives.
