Youth take bigger role in national budgeting after civic training program

The program, implemented by ActionAid Rwanda in partnership with CLADHO and funded by the European Union, trained about 1,135 youth from 43 associations across the country on budgeting, governance, and national planning processes.

Organizers say the trained youth are expected to share the knowledge with millions of other young people nationwide.

A 2024 study by ActionAid and CLADHO found that more than 70% of young people in Rwanda lacked information on how national planning is conducted, a gap the initiative sought to address.

ActionAid Rwanda board chair Liliane Uwantege Kayumba said the program was designed to move young people from awareness to active participation.

“You are now entering the phase of applying what you have learned, becoming exemplary citizens in contributing to planning and accountability,” she said.

Participants said the training has shifted long-held perceptions that budgeting decisions are made only at national level without citizen input.

Abanabeza Alice, head of TRI Rwanda, an organization supporting young people living with HIV, said the program helped youth understand that they can influence decisions at different levels of government.

“We learned that even at district level there are youth funds that can support us, and that we can contribute ideas before budgets are finalized, from the village level up to the national level,” she said.

Ishimwe Prince from Nyarugenge District said the training changed his understanding of governance and encouraged him to participate more actively in local planning.

“I used to think planning was done by ministries and citizens just follow, but now I understand that citizens’ ideas shape local projects. I have also submitted proposals, some of which have been implemented,” he said.

He added that the experience influenced his decision to study public administration.

At the Ministry of Local Government, Richard Kubana said youth awareness of government programs has improved in recent years, noting that young people are now better able to align their ideas with national priorities.

CLADHO’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Safari, said gaps remain in public understanding of budgeting and planning processes and called for continued civic education to strengthen accountability.

European Union officials said youth participation is key to sustainable development, stressing that effective governance depends on inclusive decision-making that incorporates young people’s voices.