At the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus, an annual Career and Summit was held and bringing together lecturers, students, renowned artists, representatives from public and private institutions, as well as various investors.
The summit was attended by over 3,000 students, who were introduced to different opportunities provided by the government to support entrepreneurship, employment creation, and building a sustainable future based on the knowledge acquired at the university.
In his address, Nicolas Rwaka, Division Manager at CHENO, reminded participants that loving one’s work and striving for excellence are among the core values of Rwandan culture.
“Loving your work and performing it with excellence is not an option; it is a fundamental value that builds a nation. Young people must be courageous and remember that they are the future leaders of Rwanda.” He said. He encouraged students to be bold, work towards their dreams, and understand that quality work is the foundation of sustainable development.
Renowned musician Bruce Melody shared his journey in the music industry, which he began at the age of 16, noting that the path was not easy.
“Ignoring discouraging voices and working hard are what helped me reach where I am today. The most important thing is to have goals and never give up.” He advised. He urged students to believe in their talents and abilities and to work hard despite the challenges they may encounter.
Artist Kitoko Bibarwa highlighted that his success was built on three key principles.
“Three things helped me reach where I am today: choices, self-confidence, and having clear goals. When you have these, they help you achieve whatever you aspire to.” He noted. He advised students at the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus, to make wise choices, showcase their abilities, and remain committed to their goals without giving up.
Mutesi Scovia, a journalist, reminded students that many of them come from underprivileged backgrounds, emphasizing that the opportunity to study at a university should be maximized.
“University education is an opportunity not available to everyone. Make the most of it, work hard, and prepare yourselves to transform the lives of your families and the nation at large.” She shared.
Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda in charge of Strategic Planning and Administration, encouraged students to seize every opportunity, remain resilient, and adopt a global mindset.
“Students must utilize every opportunity available to them and develop the capacity to work both in Rwanda and internationally, in order to unlock the many opportunities ahead,” He stated. He added that the University of Rwanda’s goal is to equip young people with practical skills that enable them to create jobs and compete effectively in the global labor market.
Students who attended the summit expressed satisfaction with the knowledge gained, particularly the opportunity to interact with investors and various institutions that guided them on how to transform university-acquired skills into income-generating activities.
Ishimwe Jean Sauveur, a third-year student in social work, said: “This summit helped me realize that I must focus on creating work that solves societal problems, rather than only chasing employment.”
The Career Summit highlights the University of Rwanda’s strong commitment to preparing students to become skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and future leaders capable of transforming their livelihoods and contributing to national development.
