At the graduation ceremony for the fifth cohort of the Igire programme on Tuesday, December 19, Claudette Akimana, the graduates’ representative, expressed deep gratitude to BPR Bank Plc and the KCB Foundation for their unwavering support and generosity.

Akimana, a representative from IPRC Musanze, spoke on behalf of the 186 graduates, emphasising the life-changing impact of the Igire programme.

"The opportunity provided through the scholarship in the Igire programme is nothing short of life-changing. It is a beacon of hope, a pathway to dreams, and a catalyst for our futures,” Akimana said.

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Akimana emphasised that beyond financial support, BPR Bank and the KCB Foundation demonstrated exceptional commitment to education and empowerment, instilling belief, encouragement, and confidence in the graduates.

The 186 graduates, over the past six months, trained in agri-mechanisation, culinary arts, food processing, automobile mechanics, welding, and ICT, and expressed their commitment to making the most of the opportunity and contributing positively to their communities.

During the graduation, eight outstanding projects were recognized, including Plumber with No Borders, Electrictec Solutions, and Igisubizo Project, all of which received financial support for their future endeavours.

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Patience Mutesi, Managing Director of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, commended the graduates for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance. She noted that the Igire programme serves as a pathway to empowerment, self-sufficiency, and a brighter future, contributing significantly to positive transformation in Rwanda.

Mutesi highlighted the programme’s role in providing practical skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and instilling confidence in graduates. She encouraged them to become architects of Rwanda’s future, equipped to innovate and contribute to the country&039;s progress.

"Going forward I want to reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the potential within our youth, fostering the spirit of innovation and collectively building a Rwanda that we all can be proud of,” she added.

Richard Nasasira, Vice-Chancellor of Rwanda Polytechnique, emphasised the graduates’ importance as the foundation and future of the nation. He commended the Igire programme for aligning with Rwanda’s values and vision, promoting self-reliance and supporting the country’s development.

Margarete Njonjo Mendi, Director of KCB Foundation, underscored the programme’s alignment with national youth policies and Vision 2050, emphasising its role in poverty reduction, education, and promoting young entrepreneurs.

Mendi emphasised KCB Foundation’s commitment to being a catalyst for positive change, focusing on youth empowerment and skill development. She encouraged graduates to break barriers to prosperity, highlighting their potential to transform the continent into a global powerhouse.

"We deliberately focus on the youth because we believe they have the potential to transform this continent into a global powerhouse by harnessing their skills and talent,” she said.

Speaking at the same event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Parfait Busabizwa, commended the programme’s success over the past five years. With 691 beneficiaries to date, he announced the extension of the programme to over 200 new students next year (2024).

Busabizwa urged graduates to utilise their acquired skills and seize opportunities in channels such as YouthConnekt, among others.

The graduates were encouraged to pursue their skilled professions with confidence, make connections, and share opportunities to grow together.