[PHOTOS]: 86 needy students get vocational skills

At least 86 needy students graduated with certificates in Culinary Arts, Hospitality, and design accessory at Esther’s Aid Technical School. Out of these, 74 received certificates in culinary arts while 12 completed design accessory. Graduates who included abandoned children, orphans and those born in poor families displayed some of their work in form of food products, and fashion designs during the event that was graced by many people including leaders and potential employers. Senator Jean Damascène Ntawukuriryayo speaks at the event. Speaking during the event, Senator Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo urged graduates to remain competitive. “The service industry is one of the pillars of development in Rwanda. As you graduate, remember that it is just the beginning of your career. We are in a competitive globalized world, and you should continue working hard,” said Ntawukiryayo He also challenged students to focus on learning new things as a way to overcome the challenges of the labour market. “Always be thirsty for achievement and think big. Besides working hard, you should have zeal for learning new things if you are to overcome most challenges,” he added. Senator Jean Damascène Ntawukuriryayo and other guests look at some products made by students at Ester’s Aid Culinary. (Faustin Niyigena) Meanwhile, Clare Effiong the international director of Esther’s Aid reiterated that although people may think these skills are cheap, graduates can work anywhere in the world. “This career is an international one giving you the opportunity to work anywhere in the world. It is not cheap as many think. By the time these students joined, they had no joy, but now they have something,” she said. Former student, now working at a tea factory gives Esther a gift. On his part, Kenneth Shore the general manager of the Marriott hotel, told graduands to be passionate about work if they are to succeed in the hotel business. “The people outside are interested in your passion not your degrees and qualifications. I started as a dishwasher but I was courageous, I never lost hope. I am now a hotel manager,” Shore said. Some of the graduates at the event on Saturday. (All photos by Faustin Niyigena) Esther’s Aid is a nonprofit Christian organization with its headquarters in New Rochelle New York, USA. This is the 10th graduation for the Kacyiru based school, which has been operating in Rwanda for the past fourteen years. The school focuses mainly on rendering free education and skills to vulnerable youths and women.

Education

[PHOTOS]: 86 needy students get vocational skills