NGOMA - Nineteen students, who completed a course in vehicle mechanics at the Kibungo-based School of Automobile Mechanics in Ngoma district, were last week awarded certificates.

The training was sponsored by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF).

The students, who include 15 boys and 4 girls, were drawn from Rukira and Rurenge sectors of Ngoma district. 

Chadrac Bazubafite, who represented district at the colorful graduation ceremony, encouraged the  students to use the acquired skills to create jobs.

"Practical qualifications like this one actually match the country’s needs. We need job creators and not job seekers,” he said.

"Automobile mechanics create jobs, I am optimistic that you will do the same.”

Joseph Mukasa, the director of the Vocational Training Centre, said that their aim is to train so many young girls and boys, who for one reason or another, are unable to continue with formal education. 

The school, he said, through the support of LWF hopes to continue helping vulnerable children acquire life and technical skills to help them make ends meet.

Jean Pierre Nsanzabaganwa, one of the students, said the skills will not only help them develop personally, but also  enable them improve their communities.

"We are grateful to our trainers and sponsors. Had it not been for their care and love that pushed them to give us skills, we would end up on streets,” he said.

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