160 youth acquire leadership skills

The Consultative Forum for Political Parties (FFPP) yesterday awarded certificates to 160 youth after a successful completion of training in leadership skills.Annually, the forum gives a chance to at least eight members of the ten registered political parties to acquire such skills. The programme is in line with promoting good governance among the young generation.“This training gives us hope as youth that we are being considered in the politics of our country unlike before when politics was considered only for the elders,” said Christian Muhawenimana, one of the trainees and member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).The training covered a wide range of issues that involved political conflict resolution, political parties, good governance and political philosophy.“From this training, we are now aware that political parties too can come on a roundtable to discuss politics but with common interests of promoting or empowering the population to fight poverty so that national development can be achieved,” he said.The training was conducted in Kigali, Karongi and Rwamagana Districts. Dr. Alvera Mukabaramba, the State Minister for Social Affairs in the Ministry of Local Government, who doubles as spokesperson of the forum, called on political parties to effectively utilise the beneficiaries.“Political parties should take advantage of this programme so that they send us people who will play significant roles for the development of these parties,” she said.Mukabaramba who is president of the Party for Progress and Concord (PPC), promised that the forum will continue to build capacity for young politicians in preparation for the country`s good governance.