80 needy students graduate with vocational skills

MUHANGA - Compassion International –Rwanda, an NGO has set aside over Rwf13million to support its students who have successfully completed vocational training. The revelation was made Wednesday by Slyvain Rurangwa, a project supervisor, during the pass out of 84 students who had completed training in tailoring, welding and carpentry. The ceremony took place at the Anglican Church of Rwanda-in Nyamabuye sector, Muhanga district. The beneficiaries were raised and educated through ‘Ebenezeri cluster’, a Compassion International church-run-project. Rurangwa said: “The funds are aimed at enabling the beneficiaries to move on to the next level of life. Self-support and money will be shared among the cluster so as to start up micro projects through establishment of associations that will spearhead creation of income generation projects.” According to Rurangwa, over 20,000 beneficiaries have graduated since the initiation of the child support programs in 2004. The program targets mainly needy children who are also trained on leadership. Rurangwa suggested the need to start an association of former students, saying most of them have now become successful citizens. “This network would enable them to support each other and share experiences.” The beneficiaries hailed Compassion International for its sponsorship which offered them life skills.Their testimonies also indicated spiritual and mental growth alongside the acquired skills and education. Samuel Havugimana, an orphaned beneficiary, who was adopted at 3 years, said he is proud to live normal life after being treated of epilepsies disease by the project. He said: “I look forward to using the support to create a welding association and earn a living and support other needy people in the community.” Ends