Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and Arts Development, Dr Jean Népo Abdallah Utumatwishima, has urged young people to recognise their abilities, pursue innovation and use their talents to improve their lives.
He made the call on October 17, 2026, when the Ministry of Youth and Arts Development hosted Ashton Small, popularly known as Kagarara, and his team for discussions on innovation, personal branding and turning personal experiences into stories that inspire others.
Utumatwishima commended Kagarara and his team for their collaboration, creativity and achievements in sharing their story with others.
He encouraged young people to understand their strengths and use them effectively to achieve meaningful results.
“Be innovative and strive to do great things,” he said.
The minister emphasised that young people should identify what makes them unique, develop their abilities and work towards their ambitions.
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Arts Development, Sandrine Umutoni, said Kagarara’s story carried an important message about inclusion, showing that Rwanda belongs to everyone and that all people deserve respect, recognition and equal opportunities.
She stressed that a person’s worth should not be determined by their physical abilities, adding that everyone should have the opportunity to demonstrate their potential and contribute to national development.
Kagarara, for his part, said progress begins with having a clear vision and setting goals. He encouraged young people to turn their ideas into action rather than allowing doubts expressed by others to discourage them.
“When you start putting your ideas into practice, those who want to support you will notice you only after you have taken the first step,” he said.
He explained that taking action helps potential supporters recognise a person’s commitment, effort and progress.
Small also said refusing to be discouraged by people who believed his disability would prevent him from achieving great things had been an important factor in his journey.
His message to young people was to believe in their abilities, remain determined and pursue their ambitions despite the doubts or limitations others may place on them.
