It was a night of interaction and networking between students and various stakeholders in business as Akilah Institute for Women celebrated its collaboration with partners. 

The event that took place at Century Park in Nyarutarama on Friday attracted hundreds of guests from various disciplines within the private sector. Also present at the function were top managers and representatives from Kigali’s biggest hotels such as Marriot Hotel, Radison Blue and others from business platforms like Irembo.

Clad in black aprons, white tops and black skirts, Akilah students pursuing hospitality management took over all service operations, which was an opportunity to showcase their skills.

Brenda Ann, a student of hospitality management, said that through this arrangement, she had interacted with potential employers from big firms.

"I am soon graduating in July, and I have exchanged contacts with many people in this hospitality sector,” she said.

Nadia Umurerwa, who is pursuing the same course, said this exposure to other experienced people was relevant for her career.

"Once you share ideas with other people, it is an added advantage in understanding how the real industry works. I have talked to many influential businessmen today,” said Umurewa.

For Shakinah Usengimana, an entrepreneurship student at the institute, it was an opportunity to capture ideas for improving her clothing line that currently brings over Rwf 40,000 a week.

Donah Kayitesi, an alumnus currently working at Marriot Hotel, lauded efforts of the institute in empowering more women with the right skills for the job market.

"The skills I got from the institute really form a strong foundation for all the work I do in both leadership and service delivery,” she said.

While commending support from partners, Aline Kabanda, the country director of the institute, said that the event was a call to celebrate the Akilah’s accomplishments over the past seven years.

"Our success is partly attributed to the partners who support our work. We started operations back in 2010, but some people have been pivotal to our success through providing our students with the skills and needs of the private sector and we are grateful,” she said.

Currently Akilah has 400 students in the programmes of hospitality management, entrepreneurship and information technology.