Youth representatives from across the country have committed to take ownership of Rwanda’s transformation journey. The pledge was made today in an interaction with President Paul Kagame, as representatives from youth committees nationwide concluded a two-week civic education training ‘Itorero Inkomezamihigo’. In his speech, the Head of State challenged the youth to not be contented with just being young, but use their youth to strive to reach their potential. He told them that wherever they go, their identity as Rwandans should differentiate them from the rest of the world. “You will be defined by your culture, your actions and who you strive to be. Being young is not enough; there is an investment that you must make in yourself. We want to see you strive to learn, to contribute, to play your part in this country because it belongs to you,” President Kagame said. President Kagame further called on the young generation to aim high and never underestimate their role in building the nation. He reiterated that although Rwanda was once called a ‘small failed state’, Rwandans refused to be small. The President advised the youth to never believe that they are better off being taught who they should be. He added that such beliefs may result into losing their worth and dignity. “They called us a small failed state. But we refused to fail. We refused to be small. We are not small. Choosing not to be small has a price. You will have to spend sleepless nights; work hard and nobody will thank you for that. I am asking you to make one clear choice, the one that costs us a lot. Because being big is where we belong,” President Kagame told youth representatives. Held in Huye District, Southern Province Itorero Inkomezamihigo convened over 2,000 youth representatives from newly elected National Youth Council committees at district and sector level, as well as those from youth organisations.   Click <link https: www.flickr.com photos myictrwanda1 albums external-link-new-window external link in new>here for more pictures