A milestone was achieved on Thursday, May, 26, as the first cohort of Rwanda Correctional Services inmate trainees graduated with skills in vocational studies.
603 prisoners from Nyarugenge prison were awarded with various certificates.
The initiative to have inmates have access to education began last year in February, and has been executed through a partnership between the Government and the Embassy of Netherlands.
Inmates were equipped with skills in hairdressing, ICT, automobile mechanics, and tailoring.
This initiative has been enrolled in five other prisons including Rwamagana, Nyanza, Nyagatare, Huye and Rubavu prisons, where inmates are set to access the training program at no cost.
Minister of Interior Alfred Gasana, thanked all the partners that joined hands to graduate the first RCS’ intake, calling upon graduates to become job creators and not misuse the great opportunities, and the country that believed in them.
Claudette Irere, Rwanda's Minister of State in charge of TVET and ICT at the Ministry of Education applauded inmates who graduated noting that the skills acquired will help them pave for a brighter future.
"You have done a great job; we know that inmates who obtain training manage to develop themselves and their families too,” she said.
In her closing remarks, she pledged partnership with other RCS’ partners to avail more classrooms, equipment, and well-skilled teachers so that inmates can continue to get rehabilitated and acquire skills to sustain them in life after prison.
The graduated inmates have a lot of joy and eagerly want to use their newly acquired skills.
Isaac Iyakaremye, who served four years in Nyarugenge prison, is one of the inmates who received training and also completed his time in prison; he applauds RCS’ vocational training.
"I got training in ICT; I now design books, wedding invitations, banners and flyers. It only required me to have a computer, though I didn’t have money, I approached my family and good enough they supported me. They also offered me a place to work from, I now have a job.”
Adon Sharon, another inmate who was convicted for drug trafficking, completed training in ICT-TVET school in first position and is pleased with the knowledge she gained from the training.
"I’m glad, I worked hard anyway, to get this first position and today I’m happy to get my certificate.”
She added, "I’m left with four months here, I can’t wait to go practise what I learnt but at the moment, I’m acting as an assistant teacher, passing on the knowledge I got to the ones who are now undertaking the training.”
Abdoul Rashid Hakizimana, an inmate who attended the graduation ceremony applauds the government for continuously doing things that help them advance and move forward.
He says he wants to learn new skills and gain this knowledge as well.
"In the time I expect to be here, I want to learn languages, because we have very many intellectuals within here,” Hakizimana said.