Today on 12th August 2020, Never Again Rwanda (NAR) joins the rest of the world to celebrate the International Youth Day, 2020, under the theme: “Youth Engagement in Policies and Decision Making.” Never Again Rwanda (NAR) places particular emphasis on youth, owing to the fact that young people are the current and future leaders. Today, just like in most of our activities, we acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and efforts of young people, who are actively taking the lead to respond to various challenges in their respective communities.
Rwanda’s young people have continued to renew their commitment of leading their country to a prosperous future. They have actively engaged in the fight against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, as volunteers, they have vowed never to repeat the mistakes of the past, they are fighting genocide ideology and denial, they are leveraging on the existing digital technology to inspire others, they are at the forefront against social injustices, and they are committed to lasting peace. This is courtesy of the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to intergenerational leadership and giving youth an opportunity to co-create the future they want.
Never Again Rwanda, through its different programs and projects ensures that youth have the necessary skills, tools, and confidence to build their country. We empower them with peace values, confidence building, critical thinking skills, tolerance of diversity, entrepreneurial skills, social justice, respect of human rights and democratic values.
Given the fact that the world is working towards combatting the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing, NAR has organized a panel discussion with a few young people, which will be streamed live on NAR’s YouTube channel and its affiliated social media platforms. The dialogue will discuss youth engagement in policy and decision making processes, challenges and opportunities at local and national level. Youth will share different experiences related to their participation in different activities, policies and programs that are affecting their lives.
Equally, in line with the International Youth Day celebrations, Never Again Rwanda has organized an online photography campaign, aimed at shedding light on youth engagement in various activities including Peacebuilding, justice-related, COVID-19-response and any other activity where young people are engaged for global action. This campaign calls for Rwandan youth to share pictures of themselves or their peers engaged in the aforementioned activities. Details of the campaign will be shared on our online platforms.
Never Again Rwanda is committed to continue working with young people, so that they can realize their potential to be a great impetus towards sustainable peace and development.