Laurence Mukashyaka, 22 a resident of Kibungo was a school dropout who was left in despair after failing to stay in school due to lack of fees.She was always worried about her survival until she was selected as one of the beneficiaries of the Never Again Eye Project.“Through this project, I am now a skilled tailor.I had a little knowledge in tailoring but used to borrow people’s sewing machines. Now I have my own,” she said.On a good day, when she used to borrow a sewing machine, she earned between Rwf 3,000 to 5,000 but now that she got her own, she hopes to earn at least Rwf 10,000 or more.Mukashyaka is one of the women who have benefitted from Empowering Young Women Entrepreneurs Project (EYE), under Never Again, Rwanda.Over 20 women ex-vulnerable yesterday received sewing machines under the Empowering Young Women Entrepreneurs Project.This follows the completion of a six month vocational training program that the women underwent, with the help of USAID.Never Again trains over 50 women every year in various vocational skills such as tailoring, hair dressing, catering, welding, plumbing and carpentry under the EYE project.Eric Mahoro, the Never Again Programs Director, stated that the project, worth $ 500,000, is a three-year program targeting 156 young vulnerable women to help them create jobs.“We train the women in various vocational activities after which we help them to ensure that they earn a living,” he said.Mahoro added that the women are also connected to micro lending departments of several institutions so they can be able to access loans.So far, this program has been established in areas such as Nyaruguru, Bugesera and Nyabihu.
