Joseph was a brilliant student who passed all his exams with flying colours. His dream was to become a doctor to save the lives of people in his community. After his ‘A’ levels, he submitted his application for a scholarship to study abroad. Once the application was sent, he dedicated most of his time in church praying and fasting. Thank God, his prayers were answered as his name was among the lucky candidates chosen. The only condition was that he needed to be ready to travel the week after the results were out.

It was at that time that Joseph realized that he didn’t have a passport. In his country, obtaining a passport is a long battle and by the time he finally got his, the deadline was over. He ended up not being able to pursue his dream. He simply became a clerk in his village.

Many of us believe in fate and accept things as they come. We spend less time in preparing ourselves. It is said that “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity’, yet many just sit and wait for luck to knock their door. No matter where we come from, we can push luck on our side if we dedicate ourselves to working hard and being ready when the opportunities come.

I often ask the pessimists to go to the airport and see the number of foreigners coming to Africa. The planes are full of people who know that Africa is the new Eldorado. The future of the world is Africa. The message to younger people is not to hassle running away from their motherland. Africans can still work together to decide their destiny if they are prepared. So wake up and take action.

In this issue we are featuring a special coverage on the aspirations and expectations of Rwandan Youth. We also share with you interviews of the young and dynamic Minister for Youth on Rwanda and UNFPA Country Director, Victoria Akyeampong.

The Rwanda Social Security Board is one of the important institutions in Rwanda where the youth could benefit from if they are to save for the future.

This issue has more than 36 articles in English, French and Kinyarwanda and we do invite you to share them. We also invite you to read our weekly online articles that are thought provoking and contributed from writers the world over.

Always remember that diligence is the mother of luck. Luck doesn’t come if you are not prepared. Seize the opportunities around you. The future is bright for Rwanda and for Africa. Believe in it, be prepared and work towards it.

Enjoy the reading

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