The FES Rwanda Program And The Future Through The Young Citizens Training (YCTP/YA)

FES Rwanda Program And The Young Citizen

• The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Rwanda continues to play a vital role in nurturing active and responsible citizens through its flagship initiative—the Young Citizen Training Program / Youth Academy (YCTP/YA).
• This transformative program equips young Rwandans with professional skills, leadership capacity, and civic knowledge to actively contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities and the nation at large.
• At FES Rwanda, we believe that youth empowerment is key to building a fair, inclusive, and sustainable future.
• Young people represent not only the energy and creativity of today but also the driving force behind tomorrow’s progress.
• Through YCTP/YA, the foundation aims to empower those already committed to positive social change by enhancing their capacity to participate meaningfully in Rwanda’s development journey.

Profile of the Youth Academy (YA)

• The Young Citizen Training Program / Youth Academy (YCTP/YA) is an eight-month, part-time residential program based in Kigali, Rwanda.
• It brings together 20 to 24 young women and men aged between 21 and 35 from all 30 districts of Rwanda.
• Participants are carefully selected from diverse backgrounds, including civil society organizations, government institutions, trade unions, media, the private sector, and universities.
• The program’s main goal is to prepare participants to become active, engaged citizens who can influence decision-making processes and drive sustainable development in their communities.
• By fostering leadership and civic engagement, YCTP/YA strengthens Rwanda’s foundation for participatory democracy and inclusive growth.

Major Areas

The FES Rwanda Program Youth Academy emphasizes both practical learning and social engagement, focusing on several core pillars:

• Developing concrete projects that inspire and drive social and political change.
• Strengthening collective activism and encouraging youth engagement beyond personal career advancement.
• Promoting political awareness and value-based leadership rooted in social democratic values.
• Encouraging connections between participants’ individual projects and their wider community impact.
• Providing a platform for collaboration, innovation, and critical thinking among young citizens.

Through these focus areas, the program nurtures a generation of socially conscious leaders who understand the importance of fairness, inclusivity, and accountability in public life.

Prolific Learning Opportunity

What makes the YCTP/YA program truly unique is its holistic approach to youth development. It provides:

• A space for social and professional interaction, enabling participants to build networks across various sectors.
• A platform for young professionals to exercise their potential and put their ideas into action.
• An opportunity to explore leadership qualities and learn from peers and mentors.
• Exposure to critical thinking and soft skills training, which are essential for effective leadership and community engagement.

The program encourages dialogue, reflection, and collaboration. Participants engage in interactive workshops, group discussions, and practical projects that link theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.

Youth Empowered to Change Communities

• One of the greatest strengths of the YCTP/YA lies in its long-term vision.
• The program does not end after eight months of training. Graduates become part of a vibrant alumni network, which continues to serve as a platform for collaboration and civic engagement.
• This alumni community offers ongoing opportunities to stay connected, exchange ideas, and collaborate on joint projects that contribute to the broader development of Rwanda and Africa.
• The network ensures that the values of active citizenship, solidarity, and responsibility remain alive long after the training concludes.

Young People Trained For Sustainability

The FES Rwanda Program demonstrates a profound commitment to empowering young people as key agents of change in society. Promoting youth leadership and active citizenship, it contributes to building resilient communities and inclusive governance structures.

For many young Africans, this initiative represents an inspiring model for how youth-focused programs can enhance civic participation and promote social justice. It is not only a training program but also a movement towards responsible leadership and sustainable development across the continent.

You may apply through the contacts below:

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES Rwanda)
House KG 13 Ave, 14, Nyarutarama, Gasabo District – Remera Sector, Kamashashi Cell
Kigali, Rwanda
 +250 7869 500 20
info@fes-rwanda.org

Official website here:

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