Twagirimana’s self discovery through art

Ten years after dropping out of school, Jean de dieu Twagirimana, thought that life had lost meaning, not until he discovered art.Born in Musanzi, Bugesera district, Twagirimana says he has never been employed, but now, he makes a living through art. “I did not go to any school to learn art, but when I dropped out of school, I joined my colleagues who were in the field. It took me a year to learn but others come here and spend close to three years training,” notes Twagirimana.He further explains that the beginning was not easy, but after sometime, he got connected to those who had been in the field for long.He is a happy man with a family; something he says was far beyond his expectations.The 25 year- old is a member of an association that operates near JOC/F vocational training institute located 200 meters from St Fammile on the way from Kigali city centre. “Our association has embarked on supporting other youths who dropped out of school free of charge, so that they acquire skills that will help them become job makers,” he says.He adds that, “I believe we are in the right position to help these people because we were once in the same category. We therefore understand better the challenges they face than any other person.”According to Twagirimana, their group started with only five people, but it has over time grown and currently employs over twenty five people.Twagirimana says that “the people we are now training cannot afford our services. We therefore facilitate them since they are doing some work something that encourages them to work even harder.”Ever since the programme began, 20 youths have so far been trained. Some of the trainees found at the site said that they are ready to join the labour market.The association gives its trainees chance to join but also encourages them to start their own businesses and employ others. Among other trainees, Sunday Times spoke to Jean Claude Habineza, who says he is now well equipped to practice his skills. “Apart from the interest I had, I had no idea about art but as we talk, I am able to come up with my own design without necessarily copying from any one`s style,” claims Habineza. Habineza dropped out of school in primary five and just like Twagirimana, the 22 year old says his newly acquired skills would open up a new chapter in his life.“I only thought it was people with white collar jobs who can survive in cities like Kigali, but after my friends connected me to work with these people, I came to realize that I can also earn a living in this city,” Habineza says.Born in Nyamagabe district in the Southern Province, he says his dream is to start his own business and be able to employ fellow youths.“If all goes well and I start a business, the first step I will take is to get back to the old boys in the villages to teach them what to do. “Yes, people can get money even when they are in the villages, but there are more chances in towns or cities based on the many economic activities one gets exposed to.”The group buys its raw materials mainly timber from Gacingiro and sells its products to a wide range of customers, including wholesale and retail buyers.Other products include; ear rings, necklaces, bracelets and other products to promote local culture. They also manufacture things like love and birth day gifts. According to the workers, the cheapest product which is a necklace goes for Rwf500 while the most expensive depends on the customers’ demand.“When business is at its peak, one goes away with Rwf8000 a day but when it slows, you find that one earns Rwf3000,” says Jaudo Kayiranga, one of the workers.