Open Society Project, KIGALI DEBATE on Good Governance and Social Protection.

The debate topic was “Youth Civil Engagement and Voluntarism – The challenges and prospects for social transformation”.

IRDP and FES together invited academia’s, youth activists, NGOS, Experts and media to discuss this topic.

At the beginning of the event, the two speakers Dr. Sylvestre Nzahabwanayo (University of Rwanda) and the Country Director of the UN Volunteer program, Jean de Dieu Sibomana, related their position to this topic.

Both emphasized the importance of the youth participation in volunteering by raising questions like: “How does the Youth define their role in their respective societies?”, ‘What comes after between civic engagement and volunteerism?’ or “How can a young volunteer contribute to social transformation?”

Some of the main conclusions were:

• The young generation needs more mentorship.
• More discussions between the older generation and the youth are important.
• Developing values and skills are necessary to ensure that youth engagement is constructive.
• Young representatives should be included in developing vision for the future.
• There is a need for more platforms and spaces that allow youth to volunteer.
• It was clear that volunteerism for a social good does not require high professional experience or high-level skills.
• "Good and social will" are important to become a successful volunteer.