GATSIBO – 99 former Rwandan refugees, hailing from Gatsibo District, were recently awarded certificates after completing a five-month training programme in carpentry, hair dressing and tailoring.

They were drawn from the sectors of Gitoki, Rugarama and Kabarore.

The programme was part of a resettlement programme, initiated by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs to help returnees resettle.

An official from Gatsibo District, Anaclet Karambizi, challenged them to exploit their skills to uplift their welfare, and urged them to form cooperatives as a way of securing a market for their products.

"You have completed the training that will improve your lives. But this will not be achieved if you don’t work in cooperatives,” he said.

The group also received start-up kits and Rwf 2million to embark on various enterprises.

Nadia Uwimana, a beneficiary from Rwimbogo Sector, thanked the government for the support, pledging to pass on the acquired skills to other residents in her area.

This was the second phase of the training conducted in the districts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Bugesera and Kirehe in the Eastern Province.

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