Huye: More Than 160 Youth Graduate from SDF Training, Pledge to Transform Their Lives with New Skills

More than 160 young trainees at Rwanda Polytechnic Huye Campus received certificates on Wednesday after completing short-term vocational courses under the Skills Development Fund (SDF), a government-backed program implemented through the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB).

The graduates underwent three months of intensive, hands-on training designed to meet current labor market demands, equipping them with practical skills to help them start businesses, secure employment, and improve their livelihoods.

The Director of the RP Huye Campus, Mr. Twabagira Barnabé, said the program provides a strong foundation for young people by offering market-ready skills rather than purely theoretical knowledge. “These students have spent three months learning highly practical, job-oriented skills. The knowledge they gained in soil testing, construction, painting, and project development and management will significantly impact their lives and contribute to reducing youth unemployment in Rwanda,” he said.

Graduates Already Experiencing the Benefits

Many of the graduates say the training has already begun making a difference in their lives, with some reporting that they started earning an income even before completing their courses.

Uwase Claudine, who trained in painting, said she feels more confident about her future: “I now believe in a better future for myself. I can do practical work, and the small projects I have already taken part in show me that these skills can sustain me. We are grateful to the Government for giving us this opportunity free of charge.”

Nshimiyimana Jean Paul, a graduate in Soil Testing & Surveying, added that the training aligns with the country’s ongoing development efforts: “As Rwanda continues to expand cities and infrastructure, the skills we gained will support quality construction work and help create more jobs for young people.”

Parents of the graduates expressed appreciation for the program, calling it a meaningful step toward empowering young people especially since the training was free and students received support in transportation and learning materials.

Mukamana Epiphanie, a parent, said: “My child has only studied for three months, but I already see a new direction in his life. We thank the Government for investing in the youth and providing them with skills that go beyond academic qualifications skills they can use to support themselves.”

The Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development in Huye District, Mr. Kamana André, praised the government’s investment in vocational training and challenged the graduates to use the opportunity wisely. “What the Government is doing is a powerful tool in reducing youth unemployment. We urge you to apply the skills you have gained, create your own jobs, uplift your economic status, and contribute to national development while also creating employment for others,” he said.

Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) emphasizes vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and job creation as essential pillars in the country’s effort to reduce unemployment particularly among the youth.

The Skills Development Fund remains a key driver of this agenda, helping build a skilled workforce and empowering young people to participate actively in the country’s social and economic transformation.