At least 551 young people have completed a four-month training in computer technology and entrepreneurial skills, conducted by Digital Opportunities Trust (DOT), a Canadian NGO operating in Rwanda.

The youth who come from all corners of the country, were awarded their certificates yesterday, by Viollete Uwamutara, the DOT Rwanda Programme Manager, at a ceremony attended by the Minister of Youth, Protais Mitali.
In her address, Uwamutara congratulated the group for successfully completing the training, urging them to use their skills positively and to always seek further training.
"Some of the youth who completed the training have already started business ventures, which is a good sign of confidence,” Uwamutara said.

"They are excited about the opportunities that ICT and their attained skills can bring them in terms of business success or acquiring jobs that need their skills”.

She also stressed that for Vision 2020 to be realised, capable organisations need to embark on youth training and empowerment programmes because they are the future of the nation.

"In Rwanda, we have high youth unemployment rate, yet we have a high number of graduates. Therefore, everyone must be involved in instilling an entrepreneurial spirit in the youth so that they can be able to start up their own jobs and improve their livelihood,” she said.

Mitali advised the youth to have confidence and self esteem in order to improve their innovation.
He said they should use their newly acquired skills not only to improve their standards of living, but to uplift the lives of others in the community.

"Whatever you do, you must think of its impact and profitability to you and to the economy,” he said.
"In order for Rwanda to move forward, we should focus on ICT and youth empowerment through entrepreneurial training.”

Operating in 11 countries, DOT is an international NGO with headquarters in Canada, focusing on the creation of educational, economic and entrepreneurial opportunities through the effective use of ICT.

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