Crafts makers have been advised to specialise in specific skills, and to and register with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), before a new law on the organisation of the craft sector comes into force.

Albert Bizimana, who in charge of Product Development/Craft Industry Secretariat at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, made the call yesterday, yesterday, while sensitising crafts makers on the new law.

About 3600 members of craft cooperatives in the Eastern Province attended the meeting.
Under the new law, craft cooperatives or individuals involved in craft work, have at least 2 years grace period, to start operating, according to what the law stipulates.

People, who have involved in craft work, for at least two years, will automatically qualify for a certificate of recognition.

"Craftsmen and women must specialise in one area, obtain certificate and register with RDB...the Ministry of Education is allowed to offer such certificates,” Bizimana said.

"Failure to conform to the new law will attract penalties including a fine of Rwf30,000,” he warned.
 He explained that the law is intended to end haphazard working, considering the role of crafts in development.

Rose Dusenge, in charge of craft cooperatives in Kayonza district reiterated the need for craft work to be done in a more organised way.

She noted there are many people with undeveloped talents because they don’t specialize in one area.

"Today, one is involved in tailoring, and tomorrow, they will be in carpentry. This affects quality of their products,” she said.

Jeanine Mutungi, 46, a tailor in Mushikiri Sector, Kirehe District noted that crafts in rural areas are not given due importance, hence discouraging those with talent.

She pointed out that it is hard to bring crafts makers together owing to the way they operate. "We need start-up capital...some of us operate in our homes due to lack of means.”

Ends