About 20 Vocational Skills Students Awarded Certificates in Nyaruguru

In an effort to promote youth empowerment and expand employment opportunities, a graduation ceremony was held in Kibeho Sector, Nyaruguru District, where about 20 students were awarded certificates after completing vocational and technical training at Abanozamurimo Company Ltd. The event was attended by various local leaders, including the Mayor of the district, who emphasized that young people in Nyaruguru have numerous opportunities that must be effectively utilized to secure a better future.

Across Rwanda, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) continues to be strengthened as a key pillar for youth development and reducing unemployment. The program equips young people with practical, market-relevant skills that enable them to enter the workforce without relying solely on government jobs, while also fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance. Many graduates of vocational programs have started their own businesses, formed cooperatives, and contributed actively to the economic development of their communities.

In Nyaruguru District, vocational education has become a vital opportunity for many young people who previously lacked access to formal academic pathways. Courses such as tailoring, shoemaking, carpentry, masonry, and other technical trades are providing hope for a brighter future. Graduates are able to secure jobs or establish their own small businesses, demonstrating that vocational training is not a secondary option but a sustainable route to long-term development.

Several graduates reflected on how the skills they acquired have transformed their lives and opened doors to the labor market. They also shared how their circumstances improved compared to life before enrolling in the training program.

NDAGIJIMANA Eric, one of the graduates, explained that he had been living on the streets before joining the training center, where he learned shoemaking and other practical trades. Sharing his testimony, he said: “I was living on the streets with nothing to do, until they came and told me about the program to teach tailoring and shoemaking. At first, I didn’t even know how to use a sewing machine. Now, I can sew, make belts, sports shoes, and all kinds of footwear. There’s nothing I cannot do now.”

Eric expressed his joy at completing his studies and receiving a certificate that qualifies him to confidently enter the job market. He also pledged to encourage other young people still living on the streets to join vocational training, noting that learning a trade can transform lives: “Learning a trade helps you so much. Now, the labor market is open to us, and we are ready to work.”

Another graduate, Mukundiyukuri Clarisse, emphasized that vocational training has significantly changed her life. She explained that the skills she gained helped her respect her parents more and avoid seeking domestic work, as she now has the confidence to start her own business. She stated:

“I learned tailoring, shoemaking for men and women; we learned everything. Before, working in someone’s home seemed the only option, but thanks to this trade, I never even thought about it. I will start my own business immediately.”

She further noted that vocational education allows graduates to access employment faster than conventional academic paths, as practical skills make them immediately employable.

The Director of Abanozamurimo Company Ltd, SIMUGOMWA Emmanuel, highlighted the institution’s role in economically empowering youth. He shared his personal journey, explaining that he started the business in 2013 with just 20,000 Rwandan Francs and has since grown it to own machines worth over 20 million Rwandan Francs. He said: “This is a rewarding trade that has empowered me. I started with 20,000 Rwandan Francs in 2013, and now we have machines worth over 20 million.”

He added that he has provided training in various districts across the country and expressed gratitude to partners RTB and SDF for their continued support, which has allowed the school to grow and reach more young people.

Before venturing into shoemaking, he worked as a construction mason. However, he later realized that shoemaking and leather-related trades offered greater potential for growth and financial stability. He encouraged young people to embrace vocational careers as a reliable path toward self-reliance and sustainable development.

The Mayor of Nyaruguru District, Murwanashyaka Emmanuel, who presented the certificates, said the district leadership plans to support graduates in forming cooperatives and securing workspaces so they can effectively utilize their skills. He emphasized the importance of building a Rwanda where every citizen has income-generating employment:

“These graduates are skilled and capable. Our partners in teaching vocational skills must continue their efforts because the Rwanda we want is one where everyone has work that generates income.”

He also highlighted the many opportunities available in Nyaruguru District, particularly in religious tourism, which attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually, as well as in the district’s four tea factories that require daily workers. He encouraged young people to take advantage of these opportunities:

“Opportunities are abundant in religious tourism, where we host over 1.2 million visitors each year. There are also four tea factories that need daily workers. Young people in Nyaruguru must make the most of these opportunities.”

Abanozamurimo Company Ltd, in partnership with RTB and SDF, provides vocational and technical training in Nyaruguru District. This was the first time the institution awarded certificates to graduates, with around 20 students completing the program.

Since its establishment in 2012, the school has trained approximately 170 students and continues to make a significant contribution to youth empowerment and self-reliance in the district.