More Than 20 Students Graduate from a Tailoring Training Center in Nyamagabe

In Nyamagabe District, Kibirizi Sector, Ruhunga Cell, more than 20 students who had spent six months studying practical vocational skills, including tailoring and other handicrafts, have been awarded certificates at Atelier De Couture Et De Tricotage Ideal Ltd (ACOTRIDE).

The graduates said that the skills they acquired from the training center will help them enter the labor market with confidence and use their knowledge productively to improve their livelihoods.

The graduation ceremony took place at the training center in Ruhunga Cell, where the students officially completed their studies. They expressed strong determination to apply the skills they gained and to become self-reliant through their professions.

Before the ceremony, participants heard a testimony from Mukamuhirwa Marcelinna, a resident of Gakoma Village, Tare Sector, Nyamagabe District, who is among the first graduates of the center when it started in 2013.

She explained the difficult conditions at the beginning of the school, noting that they had no equipment and were living in extreme poverty due to unemployment, to the extent that even finding a 50-franc coin was difficult.

She said: “When we started, a woman named Annonciata encouraged us to study while supporting ourselves. I studied while she helped us with food and sewing work. She even paid my school fees using the income from tailoring. Later, my child succeeded in school and helped me pay my fees.”

The mother of five stated that since joining the school in 2013, her life has improved significantly. Despite some people considering tailoring a low-income profession, she emphasized that it is a valuable skill and encouraged others to enroll and learn a trade.

During the certificate award ceremony, graduates shared their plans for the labor market.

The students’ representative, Bigirimana Wilson, said they learned how to sew and repair clothes and are ready to use these skills effectively. “The skills we gained are an opportunity given to us by the government. While studying, we were provided with meals, transport support, and other assistance. We are confident that what we learned will benefit us in the labor market.”

Another graduate, Niyomugabo Pierre, expressed his happiness at receiving a certificate, highlighting that he already owns a sewing machine. “I have my own sewing machine, which means I will not start from zero or depend on searching for a job.”

The training center also includes female students, who shared their feelings after completing the course.

Hanyurwimfura Solange, from Nzega Cell, Gasaka Sector, said that although the job market is challenging, she is ready to use the skills she acquired. “Even though I do not yet have equipment, I have knowledge. I can look for work and earn income. I believe I will succeed.”

Munganyinka Charlotte, a young graduate, said she studied tailoring out of passion and is determined to become an entrepreneur. “I believe I should be self-employed and compete for business opportunities. I want to work hard because I chose this field willingly. My dream is to produce Made in Rwanda products, which I have dreamed of since childhood.”

Charlotte encouraged unemployed people to enroll in vocational training programs, explaining that such skills can lead directly to employment.

The school director, Mukakalisa Annonciatha, explained that the center was established in 2013 to support unemployed and disadvantaged people. “I started after realizing that many people had no jobs. We began with only two sewing machines. The goal was to help vulnerable people acquire skills, escape poverty, and earn a living.”

She added that the training center has grown significantly, especially after receiving support from Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), which integrated the school into the national TVET system and provided equipment support. “We initially had 10 machines, and now we have more than 20. This is the first cohort nationwide to receive official certificates.”

She thanked Rwanda TVET Board for its continued support and encouraged others, including O-Level graduates, to enroll in vocational training programs.

She emphasized that no one should fear learning a trade, as vocational skills provide a strong foundation for self-employment.

Despite the progress, many graduates requested additional support in the form of equipment, noting that some complete their training with skills but lack tools to start working.

They called on the government to continue supporting vocational training institutions as part of efforts to reduce unemployment in Rwanda.

Atelier De Couture Et De Tricotage Ideal Ltd (ACOTRIDE) was established in 2013 to promote practical skills development. In this cohort, 20 students graduated, including 3 males and 17 females, marking the first nationally certified cohort after receiving support from Rwanda TVET Board.