Nyaruguru-The Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migrants (IOM), has donated an assortment of start-up kits to recent returnees and other vulnerable residents who a completed three-month vocational training program in Nyaruguru District.

The group of about 100 people, graduated in various technical skills, including tailoring, masonry and carpentry.

Each of them received a set of materials in line with their area of study.

Alancia Nyiranzabonkuriza, one of the tailoring graduates could not hide her joy.."I never imagined this day in my life,” Nyiranzaboninkuriza said.

"I will use the skills and the materials I received to start making money. This is the beginning of a long journey to poverty eradication in my family.

I hope I will be able to afford all the basic needs like food, clothes, soaps, lotion and so on.”

Jean Nkusi, a masonry graduate, noted that he will use his new skills to help others improve their social well-being.

"First I will build myself a house and then start working on others’ houses. I will also approach young people and interest them to start a profit making cooperative,” he vowed.

At the ceremony, the Minister of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, Gen.Marcel Gatsinzi, called upon those who completed their vocational studies to use the acquired skills for the benefit of the entire society.

"Make a difference, be creative and inventive. Seek further studies and shape your knowledge,” he advised.

"Use the knowledge you have acquired to be role models in your society. Approach young people, make them your associates and teach them what you have learnt so as to help them find a way to start their own income generating activities.”

Gatsinzi urged them to form cooperatives as way of streamlining their efforts and generate more income.

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