Youth speaking for themselves

Rwanda’s youth are represented well in the society through the committee of child leaders at every sector of the district. These child leaders are the voice for the countless children who would never get a platform to speak out their views. When interviewed some children had various reasons as to why they should be represented at the national level. Alice Uwimazi 18, a senior three student at Glory Secondary School said children and youth need representatives who make the voices of other children to be heard. “This is the only way other leaders and parents get to understand our concerns,” Uwimazi said. She explained that like other concerns presented to high authorities, this is the best form of seeking solutions to problems that affect children. Samuel Hashimwe, 20, called upon children leaders to utilize the chance given to them to uphold and promote children rights. “Much emphasis should be put on making consultations on how best children rights can be promoted,” Hashimwe said. He added that the decisions of these leaders are equally important since they are the voice of children. Betty Nkabire, 20 of Kicukiro College of Technology appreciates the arrangement of children having representatives. She said that this initiative does not only recognize the young generation but also widens their reasoning capacity. “Children and youth have discussions before addressing their concerns. This arrangement allows us to develop our reasoning capacity,” Nkabire said. She explained that through such discussions, a lot is learnt from each other. Being entrusted with any form of responsibility, leads to positive results depending on the service rendered and this is what Rwanda’s young leaders are hoping for. Ends