The Rwandan government’s technology communications initiative ‘YouthConnekt Hangout’ has taken away top honours at a United Nations (UN) innovation fair.

YouthConnekt uses Google hangout technology and other social media channels and SMS to connect young people to role models, resources, skills, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

YouthConnekt was initiated by Rwanda’s Ministry of Youth and ICT (MYICT) in 2012.

And the initiative won the first prize at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Bureau for Africa’s innovation fair earlier this month.

“We want to build an active and innovative community that is confident in its ability to solve its own challenges by making a smart use of the abundant opportunities around us,” said the Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana.

The UN resident coordinator, Lamin M. Manneh, said: “Building the skills of young people, harnessing their energy, and realising their aspirations will help Rwanda improving its living standards and igniting inclusive economic growth. Empowering them with opportunities to reach and applying their full potential are both our most important challenges and our most vital opportunities”.