A new era of opportunity has dawned for young people in Huye District with the official opening of Inzozi Youth Center, a modern facility designed to empower the youth through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Built through a partnership between the Rwanda Red Cross and the Government of Rwanda, the center aims to transform the lives of young people by equipping them with essential life skills, promoting creativity, and fostering a culture of self-reliance.
A hub of hope and opportunity
For many young people in Ngoma Sector, the new center represents more than just a building—it is a beacon of hope. After years of lacking recreational and educational spaces, they now have a safe environment where they can learn, innovate, and grow.
Egide Mucyo
“It’s exciting because we never had enough playgrounds or a proper place to play and socialize. Now we can have fun and learn new skills here instead of turning to bad habits like drug use,” said Egide Mucyo, one of the youth who attended the inauguration.
Emeline Ishimwe, who visited the digital learning room, shared similar excitement: “This place gives us freedom to enjoy ourselves while gaining knowledge. We’ll be trained in self-reliance and development skills, and it will help us avoid negative behaviors.”
Another participant, Salomon Mahoroyimana, highlighted the center’s potential to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship: “This center will allow us to develop and present our business ideas. It will also keep us engaged and away from challenges like drug abuse and early pregnancies.”
Empowering youth for the future
According to Karasira Wilson, President of the Rwanda Red Cross, the Inzozi Youth Center was established to help young people take charge of their own development.
“This center was built to help youth in Huye access training, develop small-scale projects, and gain first aid and life skills. It also includes a counseling room to support youth dealing with mental health challenges, substance abuse, and gender-based violence. We plan to replicate this model in other provinces,” he said.
Karasira Wilson
Government calls for responsible use
Sandrine Umutoni, State Minister of Youth and Arts, described the facility as a timely initiative addressing the current challenges facing Rwanda’s youth. She called on them to take full ownership of the opportunity.
“You must make the most of this opportunity. Whether it’s the sports grounds or the training programs offered here, this is your time to build a better future for yourselves, your families, and the country. Using this facility wisely will help you stay away from drugs, excessive drinking, and other harmful behaviors,” she said.
Sandrine Umutoni, State Minister of Youth and Arts
Partnership for lasting impact
Ange Sebutege, Mayor of Huye District, praised the Rwanda Red Cross and all stakeholders who contributed to the realization of this project. He emphasized that the center is a model example of how collaboration can drive lasting community change.
“I would like to extend my heart’s thanks to the Rwanda Red Cross and all partners who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible. It is through partnerships like this that we can make a real and lasting impact on the socioeconomic transformation of the community and development of our cities. Inzozi Youth Center means we are still dreaming, it means we are still dreaming of this center becoming a model hub that supports the community, especially the youth of this region. Together with our partners, we will continue to champion initiatives that foster creativity and promote sports talents, because when they succeed, we all succeed,” he said.
A modern center with a vision
The Inzozi Youth Center features a range of facilities including volleyball and basketball courts, classrooms, a computer lab, counseling and health service units, and conference rooms for training and events.
Once fully completed, the entire project is expected to cost over Rwf 3 billion, with the facilities inaugurated so far valued at approximately Rwf 450 million.
During the inauguration, participants also attended the Rwanda Red Cross Annual Partnership Meeting, where they were briefed on ongoing development projects, including a new hotel worth Rwf 1 billion under construction at the organization’s headquarters, along with several completed commercial buildings.
The Inzozi Youth Center now stands as a symbol of hope, partnership, and transformation an investment in the dreams and potential of Rwanda’s next generation.
