GASABO - Over 400 former Rwanda Defence Force servicemen yesterday received equipment worth Frw58 million that will enable them earn a living following a four-month vocational training they underwent in different disciplines.

During the handover ceremony that took place at Hotel La Pallise, the Executive Secretary for the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission, Jean Sayinzoga, said that this was done to uplift the welfare of former soldiers.

"We already have another shift of 400 that is undergoing similar training and by the end of the year, we expect to have at least 800 fully trained,” said Sayinzoga.

The beneficiaries were trained in 18 different disciplines that included sewing, hospitality services, electronics, and plumbing.

"The kind of training they got was in line with what was on the job market in the country,” he said.

He added that he was also proud to announce that 31 of the graduands had already secured jobs at La Pallise Hotel. The beneficiaries also include former rebels and spouses of ex-combatants living with disabilities.

Augustin Sebunori on behalf of the graduands, thatnked the government which he said has worked tirelessly to improve the welfare of demobilized soldiers.

"We pledge to support all government programmes and we shall start by exercising our civic obligations by participating in the forthcoming parliamentary elections,” he said.

In total, over 62,000 former soldiers have been demobilized and reintegrated into societies since the establishment of the commission in the late 90s.

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