Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and Arts Development, Utumatwishima Abdallah, has warned that failing to keep young people in school could leave them vulnerable to drug abuse and other social problems, urging families and communities to take greater responsibility for their education.
Utumatwishima made the remarks on August 23 while closing the 23rd National Catholic Youth Forum held in Byumba Diocese.
The minister said strengthening families and improving access to education should be at the centre of efforts to address challenges facing Rwanda’s youth.
He called for closer cooperation between parents, religious leaders and authorities to ensure children enrol in school, complete primary education and continue to secondary school and beyond.
Utumatwishima particularly highlighted school dropout as a serious concern, saying young people who leave school early are more exposed to challenges that can undermine their future.
Referring to young people in rehabilitation centres, he said many had only completed primary education.
“When we do not manage this properly and young people leave school, we are raising people who will turn against us,” he warned.
The minister argued that preventing youth problems should begin within families and schools, rather than waiting until young people are already struggling.
He urged parents to take a more active role in monitoring their children’s education and called on the Catholic Church and other partners to strengthen efforts to guide young people.
“We need to improve education and continue strengthening the way we raise our children, working together to guide Rwandan young people towards a healthy life and away from drugs,” he said.
The National Catholic Youth Forum brought together young people and stakeholders to discuss issues affecting youth, the role of families and how institutions, parents and the Church can work together to nurture responsible and resilient young people.
