YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT  TOWARDS SDGS 2030

The youth in Rwanda comprise 39% of the entire population in Rwanda (1). This is the largest part of the population and however the working force that has the capacity to transform the community into betterment (3). There are rising challenges in the community ranging from unwanted pregnancies, malnutrition, drug abuse, poverty, STDs amongst others(4)

Moreover, it is the youth that still finds themselves seen as the solution to the aforementioned problems.

Research is still the determinant aspect to unravel evidence that will create a sustainable solution(2).   The extraordinary practices through innovative volunteerism perceived by RVCP are taken as consideration in community outreaches.

Based on the above information, RVCP is organizing this annual youth in Village conference (AYIV Conference) to bring on board all stakeholders that can empower the youth through their driven initiatives where they can share information on different approaches on village community engagement.

II.   GENERAL OBJECTIVE:

To discuss and devise innovative approaches towards the inclusive participation of youth in steering SDGs 2030 at the Village. The conference will bring on board all stakeholders involved in raising the living standards of the underprivileged in the community.

Specific Objectives:

• To understand the current sterning challenges facing the village community
• To discuss the new approaches towards solving pressing challenges
• To identify the existing mechanisms of solution orientation and the level of impact To foster partnerships in fulfilling the community living standards Theme:

“Youth engagement in grassroots community development towards SDGs 2030”

  Subthemes:

oEcosystem based approaches in rural prosperity

oYouth participation in village community health

oYoung women at the core of rural development

III.   WORKING METHODS:

Plenary sessions: during the first day of the conference stakeholders and international experts will present their experience and policy developments. All participants will have a chance to discuss and share experience and good practices. Working groups: on the second day the participants will have a chance to discuss their ideas and plans for the development of joint study programs in detail and in parallel sessions.

Thorough discussions with presentations that are already done interventions will be presented. Wide consultations on the development and delivery of joint efforts on specific programs that had been conducted by different groups and organizations are expected to dominate the discussions in the conference.

The participants will have the chance to learn and share good practice particularly youth initiatives both at the local, national and international arena including social programs. It is expected that participants discuss and identify problem areas at the village level and suggest possible solutions and improvements.

IV.  EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Evidence-based solution to pressing challenges in the community

• Innovative volunteerism on community engagement
• Networking with partner groups, organizations as per SGDs goal 17
• New strategies on diversified harnessed potential of the youth on community development

V.  ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

Rwanda Village Community Promoters (RVCP) is a non-profit, non-governmental, voluntary youth-led organization hosted by University of Rwanda. It aims to improve the living standard of the underprivileged people and capacitate the students’ volunteers.

We have more than eighteen years impacting community through different community activities, helping them to create income generating activities to serve their families, health education, power supply  modern agricultural best practices that are climate resilient, hygiene and water sanitation interventions to vulnerable people as well as women and girls empowerment Just to name but a few.

RVCP was founded in 1998 by students at former National University of Rwanda (NUR) Butare, Following the 1994 genocide, in which more than 1,000,000 people were killed in three months, villages and towns demolished and the intervention was to contribute to peaceful coexistence and social economic empowerment. Working with students and local volunteers is a key part of the foundation upon which RVCP was built as it strives to increase awareness and develop students’ problem-solving skills, aptitude for fieldwork and project planning abilities. Furthermore, RVCP fosters an atmosphere of cultural exchange and skill sharing by working alongside international volunteers.

1. Survey H. Rwanda. 2014.
2. Republic THE. THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY REDUCTION. 2018;(May 2013).
3. Alice Nabalamba&, Sennoga Edward. Analysis of Gender and Youth Employment in Rwanda | Africa Development Bank (AfDB). 2014;(May). Available from: http://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Publications/Rwanda__Analysis_of_Gender_and_Youth_Employment.pdf