Harnessing leadership skills among Rwandan youth

Rwanda, a country known for its ambitious development goals and rapid economic growth, is looking towards its youth to drive sustainable progress and transformation. Tristan Murenzi, the Executive Chairperson of Rwanda We Want, an NGO focused on harnessing leadership skills among young scholars, shed light on the organization's efforts to empower the next generation of leaders in the country. Murenzi highlighted the importance of creating a future generation of leaders who are not only skilled in politics but also in business, civil society, and religious sectors. He emphasized that leadership is vital for sustainable development across all spheres. The NGO works closely with clubs in schools to cultivate leadership skills among students and prepare them for leadership roles in various sectors. By engaging the youth in discussions, training sessions, and public speaking competitions, Rwanda We Want aims to instill a sense of responsibility and initiative in the young population. The organization believes that youth involvement is crucial in implementing Rwanda's national transformation policy agenda from 2017 to 2024. With the majority of Rwanda's population comprising youth, their role in driving economic growth and development cannot be understated. By equipping them with the necessary skills and mindset, the youth can actively contribute to the country's progress. However, Murenzi also addressed some of the critical challenges hindering economic growth, including teen pregnancy and drug abuse among the youth. These issues impede the youth from fully participating in the development process and realizing their potential. To tackle these challenges, Rwanda We Want collaborates with the government, particularly the Ministry of Youth, to address societal issues and support young entrepreneurs. The organization aims to create a platform for young scholars to access grants and resources for studying business and entrepreneurship. By leveraging public-private partnerships and encouraging youth entrepreneurship, Rwanda We Want strives to mitigate unemployment rates and empower the youth to become job creators. While public sector support is important, Murenzi emphasized the need for greater private sector involvement in fostering entrepreneurship and job creation. Initiatives like the network program provide vital support to young Rwandans in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Murenzi believes that driving entrepreneurship and private sector growth is fundamental to driving sustainable development and economic progress in Rwanda. Through empowering the youth with leadership skills and entrepreneurial opportunities, Rwanda is poised to achieve its development goals and create a dynamic and prosperous future for the next generation.