Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Young Generation (YG) Models Fashion Agency had embarked on professionally training young girls and boys who are passionate about modelling, to help them discover their talents and achieve their dreams as well. The agency started in 2015 with the aim of promoting Made in Rwanda, and other clothes made by many different designers in and out of the country. To keep these young talents active, the organisers say at the moment they are doing a photoshoot, and hope to resume other activities as soon as the Covid-19 measures are eased. Previously, models were scouted and the best selected for the market within the country and outside as well. According to Emmanuel Tuyishime, the founder and CEO of the organisation, as an agency, after the photoshoot, selected photos are posted on social media to help market them to different fashion houses. “It is extremely important to nurture these young talents the same way we would pursue a career through a formal education system. I believe by providing an array of support, as well as opportunities across a variety of environments, is one way of helping young talents reach their goals,” he says. Tuyishime adds that a well-nurtured talent goes with career choice and that the two combined enable them to perform and meet the expectations of any organisation that would be looking for what the girls are capable of doing or providing. To help other modelling agencies in Rwanda, Tuyishime says they decided to also create a project called Rwanda fashion agencies rehearsals. This activity, he says, brings together all agencies in Rwanda for practice as well as networking, which used to happen once a month. He says that during the first week of the month, all models used to come together for rehearsals and meet different coaches from diverse agencies at Amahoro Stadium. Dreaming and doing it Tuyishime further notes that since he joined the local fashion industry, his idea was to create his own customer base and contribute to the industry of fashion in Rwanda. So far, YG has participated in different performances including the 2017 Youth Connect, which took place at petit stadium, CCA Style Award competition where it was awarded as the first agency in this competition in Rwanda. Young Generation models now has over 20 members, both male and female, who include runway, acting and commercial models. Some of them have showcased designs at KFW (Kigali Fashion Week 2019), RCFS (Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show 2019), MBW (Merced Benz Fashion Week 2019). They have also worked with different industries in Rwanda, which produce Made in Rwanda clothes like U&V and C&H garments. “Right now our aim is to ensure young talents have a better life because we believe fashion can lead to a good life,” he adds.
