RYP volunteers bring a wide range of skills and backgrounds that can help RNI continue innovating in their programs and strengthening as an organization. However, since most RYP volunteers are not Rwandan, our desire to help starts with listening! RYP recognizes that the RNI team and other Rwandans bring expertise about ways that vulnerable youth in their country can build stronger futures. Indeed, the RNI team grew up experiencing genocide and its aftermath, so they understand vulnerability in many forms.   In addition, RNI leaders often consult RNI youth members about the direction of the program. Approaches from other countries add value, but only when they build on Rwandan expertise born of the wisdom of life experience.  

To build on that expertise, RYP focuses on areas identified by RNI leaders and youth. We act upon those needs by finding solutions through ongoing discussion and projects geared towards their benefit. Areas of coaching and collaboration range from youth leadership development to monitoring and evaluation, marketing and graphic design to microfinance and mentoring, business planning and coaching cooperatives to overall strategies for funding and growth. 

RNI and RYP have collaborated and grown together since the idea was born one night in 2016 in the Nyungwe Forest!