The Japanese government, through its embassy in Rwanda, yesterday donated US$ 221,500 (approx. Rwf130m) to two local nongovernmental organisations, to promote vocational education among underprivileged youth.  

The beneficiary NGOs are Power of Love in Gatsibo district and l’APIB in Musanze.

The cheques were handed over by the Charge d’Affaires at the Japanese Embassy, Shigeru Kondo.

The centres, which will consist of classrooms, workshops, dormitories for studies and other basic equipment like desks and mattresses, will mainly focus on the transformation of street children into responsible citizens.

"The grant is expected to help achieve the goal for both projects- eradicating street children after equipping them with discipline and employable vocational skills,” Kondo said.

He added that the project reflected Japan’s strong commitment to Rwanda’s achievement of Vision 2020.

Danny Rubibi, the coordinator of Power of Love, said that they have been engaged in various activities aimed at helping the poor in the Eastern Province, since 1999.

"This grant will greatly contribute to our services of promoting the living standards of the needy; more youth who never got a chance to obtain formal education will be equipped with employable skills.”

The embassy will monitor the implementation of the two projects to ensure maximum returns, according to Kondo.

Japan has extended over Rwf 3 billion to Rwandan NGOs and the Local Government since 1998.

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