Eleven women from economically vulnerable backgrounds graduated with skills in tailoring, following successful completion of a one-year course. At a graduation ceremony in Gasabo District, the women were awarded certificates of completion and a sewing machine each to start individual ventures and businesses. According to David Alireki, the Country Director of Acts4Rwanda, the organisation behind the initiative, over the course of one year, the trainees gained skills in the trade to start off their ventures. Beyond tailoring, Alireki said women have also been equipped with skills in financial management, record keeping and product marketing. “They have learnt their value as human beings, many have been through tough life but through the training they have learned how to have self-esteem and handle their challenges back at home,” she says. Brittany Huffman, one of the founders of the programme, said that when women are lacking skills and education, the negative effects on their family become evident. “A number of these women are single mothers with no one to support the family, leaving household duties and financial burden to them. All this is due to extreme poverty. From the training, women now have knowledge and experience in areas of strengthening self-esteem,” she said. Lynda Weir, the Chief Executive of Acts4Rwanda, said women have experienced years of turmoil and trials but when supported they are able to develop and support their respective communities. Immaculée Ahobamutegeye, a mother of six, said she had passion in making clothes but lacked an opportunity to build skills until she was introduced to the programme. While in the training, Ahobamutegeye said that she got enough time to do what she learnt and looks to earn from her new found skills. Salime Ayinkamiye, another single mother, said she intends to use the skills acquired to improve in socio-economic aspects. “We are planning to form a cooperative which I believe will be a stepping stone to our many good things. With the skills I have it is easier to make it out there,” she said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
