With hearts of joy and pride, Article26 commemorated a momentous occasion on April 5 in Kigali as over 100 passionate individuals were officially certified. These graduates embodied the spirit of perseverance, paving the path for countless others to follow. The event, held at the Digital Transformation Center, brought together learners, partners, mentors, and guests to honor the achievements of the graduates and reflect on the organization’s impactful journey thus far.
The organisation has brought hope for young talents seeking to enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to their communities. In an exclusive interview prior to the event, Obed Bigirimana, Article26’s National Manager, outlined the organization’s mission to empower individuals through internationally recognised certificates in Project Management, aligning with the United Nations’ priorities and Sustainable Development Goals.
"Article26 is a visionary Corporate Social Responsibility initiative founded by Maxpert in Germany with a clear focus on enhancing the accessibility and quality of education in Rwanda. We believe in the inherent right to education for all, as mentioned in Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Additionally, we are dedicated to supporting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals laid out by the UN in its Agenda 2030.
"Our goal is not just to certify individuals, but to equip them with the skills and confidence needed to address the challenges facing Rwanda,” he said.
The graduation ceremony served as a testament to Article26’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity. Over 100 graduates were honored for their dedication and perseverance in completing certification programmes in PRINCE2, ITIL4, and SCRUM. These certifications not only signify professional competency but also open doors to exciting career opportunities in the ever-evolving job market.
Bigirimana also provided insights into Article26’s future projects, stating, "Looking towards the future, our focus extends beyond certification. We are launching a Post Certification Programme focused on soft skills training and adopting a ‘Train the Trainer’ approach to empower individuals to become mentors and educators themselves. This is aimed at further enhancing the employability of our graduates.”
He further added: "We aim to broaden our reach by collaborating with diverse organisations and engaging local employers to provide practical opportunities for our learners to apply their newly acquired skills. Moreover, we are actively seeking partnerships with major companies in Rwanda to tailor our training programmes to meet the evolving needs of the local workforce.”
The event underscored Article26’s strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including The Ministry of ICT and Innovation, RISA, NIDA, Kepler College, African Leadership University, IPRC, and UNILAK. Through these collaborations, Article26 has been able to provide invaluable support and resources to trainees, facilitating their transition into the workforce.
As the graduation party ended, the atmosphere was filled with optimism and pride. The success stories of Article26 graduates stand as a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering dedication of the entire team.
The event not only celebrated past accomplishments but also marked the beginning of a new chapter where Article26 will equip specifically outstanding trainees and alumni in Rwanda with a wider range of skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of the 21st century in Rwanda and to become a trainer on their own.