Over 100 women in Kayonza District on Tuesday graduated with specialised skills in cooking. The graduation ceremony was presided over by the CEO of Women for Women International (WfWI), Jennifer L. Windsor. WfWI helps needy women to access life skills and resources needed to transform their lives and families. Windsor, who was on her first visit to Rwanda, said the country was one of the success stories recognised by her organisation. “In spite of the tragedy that befell the country, the people got the strength to rise again,” she said. “You have demonstrated that you will not remain down after the tragedy but build your country and move forward,” she told the graduates. Windsor said WfW1 was committed to training more women in different specialized skills, noting that the foundation of strength of any society was the women. She said WfWI will continue to reach out to more poor women in Rwanda and the rest of the world. Antoinette Uwimana, Country Director WfW, said the specialised skills women were receiving had registered positive economic impact. She said the women acquired skills in various fields ranging from cooking to food processing. “Some of the people who went through these trainings have moved from zero income to Rwf 100,000 monthly,” she said. She added that the organisation had also bought some machines that the graduates will use to make butter as a start up kit. Angelina Mukagasana, 55, one of the trainees pledged to put the acquired skills to use. “I am now a very good cook and intend to work closely with three other colleagues to start up a small restaurant. The skills we have will be instrumental in our business,” she said. WfW1 has partnered with Workforce Development Authority to promote technical and vocational skills among Rwandan women and adolescent girls. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
