KIGALI - SIX hundred young people have completed a six-month training course sponsored by Education Development Centre (EDC) and USAID with the aim of equipping them with market-relevant and work readiness skills.

The youth, under the Akazi Kanoze Project, received their certificates yesterday in a ceremony officiated over by the Minister of Education, Charles Murigande, and US Ambassador, Stuart Symington.

Speaking at the ceremony, Murigande reminded the youth that they have to work hard and employ the skills they gained to improve their lives and that of people around them.

"I commend you for having completed the training, which implies that you now have the confidence and self belief to enter the job market,” Murigande said.

Ambassador Symington requested the youth to use the opportunity to improve their lives and contribute to the country’s economy.

"First of all, you must find out what you love to do,” he said. "Secondly, you must make sure you are good at it, so that you can earn money from doing what you love to do. Then later, you will be able to help the people who helped you.”

One of the graduates, Patrick Ruhatana, 22, testified that through the training, he was able to start a fishing business.

"Last month, I was sponsored to visit Vietnam by EDC. I learnt that setting up a fish business can enable me to obtain a good income, and that’s how I started my enterprise,” he said.

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