BPN Rwanda, Mastercard Foundation launch Bridge Talent Fair to promote inclusive, dignified employment for Rwandan youth

[Kigali, Rwanda – October 2024] – In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, BPN Rwanda is excited to announce the launch of the Bridge Talent Fair, a pioneering event aimed at creating dignified and inclusive job opportunities for Rwandan youth. The fair will connect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with young professionals from diverse backgrounds, including youth with disabilities and refugees, contributing to sustainable growth in the private sector. This first-of-its-kind SME job fair is uniquely designed to foster valuable connections between Rwandan youth and high-performing Small and Medium-sized enterprises and highlights the importance of inclusive hiring and support groups that are often marginalised in the job market, ensuring that Rwanda's youth—regardless of ability—can contribute meaningfully to the economy. In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Service and Labour through the Chief Skills Office and Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, the Bridge Talent Fair emphasises local businesses and inclusive employment, particularly for persons with disabilities (PWD). The fair provides a platform for Rwandan SMEs to meet talented young professionals, and for job seekers to explore meaningful opportunities, all while promoting an inclusive and stigma-free entrepreneurial ecosystem. This event aligns with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which prioritises job creation with a focus on women, youth, and marginalised groups, including PWD and refugees. What sets Bridge Talent Fair apart? Unlike traditional career fairs that typically cater to large corporations, the Bridge Talent Fair is centred around SMEs and a diverse range of job seekers, including TVET students, freelancers, and youth from vocational backgrounds. It also directly tackles the stigma surrounding PWDs in the job market, challenging the misconception that they cannot be effective employees. Entrepreneurs will have the chance to showcase their businesses, products, and services, while connecting directly with skilled professionals from varied backgrounds. For job seekers, the fair provides access to leading Rwandan SMEs, offering dignified employment opportunities that match their skills and aspirations. Additionally, the event will feature networking opportunities and career insights, empowering attendees to explore different career paths and engage with Rwanda's entrepreneurial landscape as a formal and reliable career growth. Key event highlights: Connecting youth with Rwandan SMEs: Attendees will meet and network with Rwandan SMEs, offering employment opportunities that align with their skills and aspirations, regardless of physical or intellectual abilities. Promoting inclusive employment: Discussions will focus on creating dignified, meaningful jobs for all youth, ensuring that marginalised groups, particularly PWDs and refugees, are not left behind in Rwanda’s economic development. Challenging stigmas against Persons with Disabilities: Targeted programmes will address misconceptions about the abilities of PWDs, showcasing the significant value they bring to the workforce and entrepreneurship. BPN Rwanda’s commitment to youth employment BPN Rwanda is dedicated to fostering inclusive job creation by supporting entrepreneurship that empowers Rwandan youth to build sustainable careers. The Bridge Talent Fair aligns with Rwanda’s NST2 vision by promoting job creation for women, young people, and marginalised groups, including PWDs. By addressing stigma and showcasing the talents of all Rwandans, the fair is a crucial step towards creating an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where everyone can thrive. About BPN Rwanda BPN Rwanda is a non-profit organisation that supports entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses through training, coaching, networking opportunities, and access to finance for expansion. BPN's mission is to empower entrepreneurs to create lasting jobs and contribute to the development of Rwanda's economy.

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BPN Rwanda, Mastercard Foundation launch Bridge Talent Fair to promote inclusive, dignified employment for Rwandan youth