Rwanda is making remarkable progress in its economic development. We can all witness this progress! However as Frederick Douglass said “ If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”
Youth unemployment is a challenge faced in our country. We all know how tough it can be to find a job and build a future. So, let’s talk about what we can do as young people to bridge this gap and create better opportunities for ourselves.
Firstly, let’s face the facts. Unemployment is a big issue in Rwanda, especially among us, the young people. In 2022, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda(NISR), the Rwandan youth unemployment rate was at 17.41%.
That’s a significant number, and it’s crucial for us to address this challenge. It’s not just about the youth finding jobs; it’s about shaping our country’s future and ensuring a stable and prosperous society for all.
So you might be thinking “How can we equip ourselves with the skills that employers are looking for?” Well, one solution is to focus on technical and vocational education.
These programs are designed to give us practical skills that are in high demand in the job market. We’re talking about hands-on training that prepares us for real-world challenges.
Read also: In this knowledge-based economy, young people must improve their cognitive and soft skills
An exciting path to explore: entrepreneurship and innovation. We live in a country that values creativity and new ideas. Instead of waiting for a job, why not create our own opportunities? Becoming an entrepreneur means taking charge of our destiny and building something from scratch.
Initiatives like the Kigali Innovation City are here to support us. They offer mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to help young startups thrive. We can tap into this ecosystem and unleash our entrepreneurial spirit. Who knows, maybe our innovative ideas will not only create jobs for ourselves but also for others in the future.
Good news is we’re not alone on this journey. The government and private sector want to see the youth succeed. That’s why it’s important to foster partnerships between the public and private sectors. When these two worlds come together, amazing things can happen.
A good example is the “Hanga Ahazaza” initiative. It’s a collaboration between the government and private sector organizations. They provide training, internships, and job placement support in the hospitality and tourism industry. By joining forces, they’re opening doors for the youth to gain valuable experience and secure meaningful employment.
Talking about something shaping the world today, technology. In today’s digital age, having tech skills is a must. It’s not just about browsing through social media; it’s about being digitally literate and having the knowledge to excel in the digital economy.
Take a look of the Rwandan taking part in building digital solutions; Youth in Action: Building stronger communities through Digital Literacy
A good example for this is the Smart Rwanda Initiative. They’re working hard to bridge the digital divide by providing access to technology and promoting digital literacy. We need to grab these opportunities with both hands. Let’s learn coding, digital marketing, or any other tech skills that interest us. These skills will set us apart and make us highly sought-after in the job market.
The challenge of unemployment is a struggle, but together, we can work to overcome it. By focusing on practical solutions like enhancing technical and vocational education, embracing entrepreneurship and innovation, strengthening public-private partnerships, and embracing the digital era, we can shape a brighter future for ourselves and our country.
The youth are the driving force behind Rwanda’s progress, and by empowering ourselves and supporting one another, we can create a society where every young person has the chance to thrive.
