More than 32,000 youth who had dropped out of school have been trained in entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Implemented through the five-year project dubbed USAID-Dukore Akazi Kanoze operational since 2016, the programme targeted self-employment promotion among youth, especially those that were unable to complete their school due to financial constraints and teen pregnancy.

It has also been an opportunity for people who completed their studies and did not get a job, to sharpen their minds with new skills, which also include soft skills and more skills that help them navigate the work environment and the workplace.

Skills gained include weaving, tailoring, welding, handicrafts, carpentry, and making soap

Eric Tuganeyezu, 23, from Muhura, Gatsibo District, said he dropped out of school in Senior Three.

"I was not doing well at school, yet when I did some craftspeople would tell me that I was talented,” he explained.

He revealed that his dream is to become a high-profile artist, making high-level sculptures.

Twenty-three-year old handcrafter Seraphine Uwizeyimana from Gatsibo District, dropped out of school at Senior 3, she joined an informal savings group after the training.

"I was unskilled, working in other people’s farms, but now since the training I have managed start a small shop which is thriving,” she declared.

Specifically, 6,795 youth were trained in Eastern Province.

According to Fanuel Sindayiheba, representative of one of the implementation partners, the trained youth were from five districts in Eastern Province; Bugesera, Kayonza, Ngoma, Kirehe and Gatsibo.

"The youth are given basic skills, helping them to know themselves, to know their talents, but most importantly to make the most of the talents,” he said.

The project’s Deputy Chief of Party, Alejandra Bonifaz, said that the results of the project are "very broad, from the youth to the partnership level.”

"Youth by definition is very amazing, very empowering and very inspiring, because they have energy, so what the project does is to equip them with the skills, and the context needed, so that they can channel that positive energy they carry by nature, so they can shine and they can grow,” she stated.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com