Many young people spend hours discussing challenges affecting their communities, sharing opinions online and talking about the changes they would like to see. However, beyond these conversations, there are opportunities to participate in community development, engage with local leaders and contribute ideas that can help address some of these challenges.
In Rwanda, young people have different ways to participate in public affairs, including youth council structures, community meetings, youth development programmes and initiatives that encourage civic engagement. These platforms provide opportunities to learn, share ideas and take part in decisions that affect their communities.
The Government of Rwanda recognises young people as an important force in the country’s development, not only as beneficiaries of national programmes but also as contributors to its future. This commitment can be seen through initiatives such as “Meet the President”, which provides young people with an opportunity to engage directly with the country’s leadership, share their views and raise issues affecting their lives. Such engagements demonstrate the importance of listening to young people, understanding their aspirations and creating opportunities for them to contribute to decisions that shape their communities and the nation.
According to Rwanda’s National Youth Council, its mission includes encouraging young people to participate in the country’s social and economic development. Its responsibilities include advocating for policies that respond to youth concerns, promoting skills development and encouraging young people to participate in decision-making processes.
One reason participation matters is that decisions made at community and national levels can affect young people’s everyday lives. Issues involving education, public health, community safety, environmental protection and skills development require informed citizens who understand what is happening around them and are willing to contribute to solutions.
Participation can also help young people discover opportunities they might otherwise miss. Youth centres in Rwanda offer programmes in areas such as entrepreneurship, information and communication technology, employability, vocational training, health and talent development. Learning about these services and engaging with the institutions that provide them can help young people identify activities that match their interests and needs.
Beyond accessing information, participating in public programmes can help young people develop practical skills. Community projects, volunteer activities and youth leadership initiatives can provide opportunities to practise communication, teamwork, organisation and problem-solving. These experiences can also help young people understand how institutions operate and how different groups can work together to address shared challenges.
Participation is equally important when young people want their concerns to be heard. Rather than discussing every problem among themselves, they can use appropriate channels to raise questions, share suggestions and communicate their experiences to the people responsible for addressing particular issues.
However, meaningful participation requires more than young people showing up. Institutions must provide clear information, create accessible opportunities and take young people’s contributions seriously. At the same time, young people need to make an effort to stay informed, attend relevant activities and contribute constructively.
For those who are unsure where to begin, a simple step is to learn about the youth structures operating in their village, cell or sector. They can also follow announcements from relevant institutions, visit available youth centres or ask local leaders about upcoming community activities.
Social media can help young people learn about issues and exchange ideas, but its value becomes greater when awareness leads to action.
Building a community is not the responsibility of leaders alone. Young people also have a role to play, not only by identifying the challenges around them but by seeking opportunities to contribute to solutions.
The question, therefore, is not simply whether young people care about the future. It is whether they are taking advantage of the opportunities available to help shape it.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10