The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), yesterday, launched a project aimed at providing life skills to ex-combatants and disabled groups.

The project will also upgrade the Skills Training Centres (STC) and help beneficiaries to establish cooperatives and offer them start-up kits.
  
Speaking during the launch, JICA project coordinator, Ryuji Seno, said that the support was specifically designed to maximise efficiency.

"The reason for equipping these training centres is to ensure that trainees have appropriate facilities and more beneficiaries,” Seno said.
The three-year project is expected to benefit 1,500 people at a cost of US$1.2m.

Jean Sayinzoga, the Chairman of RDRC, called upon people living with disabilities to take advantage of the project.
"This project is not limited to ex-combatants only,” he said.

Also present was the Japanese Ambassador to Rwanda, Kunio Hatanaka, who pledged his government’s support to development projects as proof of the good relationship between the two countries.

Other key stakeholders in the project include the Workforce Development Authority (WDA) and the ministries of Local Government and Education.
 
 In 2005, JICA implemented a similar project that saw 1,025 ex-combatants obtain various skills to facilitate them generate income.

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