Graduates from Iwawa Rehabilitation and Vocational Skills Development Centre in Rutsiro District in Western Province pledge to work hard and contribute to the development of Rwanda using the skills they have acquired.
1113 students received certificates on Friday; 732 in construction, 261 in carpentry and 120 in tailoring.
Young graduates said that they learnt a lot and they are able to contribute to the country’s development; they disclosed also that they stopped all bad habits like drug abuse and theft.
James Safari is the best performer student stressed how his life has been greatly transformed during the one year he stayed at the centre.
“I used to take drugs, and I was not able to work or attend the class but after one year at Iwawa Center I am able to contribute to the country’s development we learnt a lot during that time, now I am capable to start some projects generating income using the skills I have obtained.” said Safari
The 25-year-old Cassien Karenzi from Kicukiro District said that: “I used to pick-pocket in markets of Kigali, my only target is to gain money to buy beer and cannabis, but after now I embraced the positive mindset that I am adult enough to contribute to the country’s development as other citizens, I am now an agent of transformation to others I left on the street.”
The Coordinator of Iwawa Rehabilitation and Vocational Skills Development Centre, Nicolas Niyongabo praised the efforts of the young people and conveyed his good wishes for the success of the graduates and urged them to “Work tirelessly because it is the first step for success in any arena.”
He also stressed the need for the young people to continue serving their nation.
Speaking on the occasion, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and ICT, Rosemary Mbabazi urges Iwawa former students to be agents of transformation in the society and that the skills acquired should be the foundation to shape their bright future.
“We hope you will keep working hard and change others so that they stop any bad habits in our society; this is the real contribution you have to offer after your training at Iwawa Center,” Mbabazi stressed.
The government of Rwanda established Iwawa Rehabilitation and Vocational Skills Development Centre in 2010 in order to give street children the chance to forge a career off the streets.
Students at Iwawa not only take part in vocational training, but also enjoy cultural and sporting activities. Today, the center has become hope for parents and children.
UM– USEKE.RW
