Meet Niyonkuru, a shrewd deaf entrepreneur

Local firms and innovators have come out strongly at the ongoing Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF), showcasing unique wares and creations, ranging from handicrafts to natural products for the health conscious. The exhibitors include Diane Niyonkuru, a 23-year-old university student. Unlike the hundreds of other traders at the expo, Niyonkuru is deaf. Don’t be deceived though. When I arrived at her stall, she was busy explaining to customers why they should buy her products. To bring everyone on board, she communicates with customers using sign language. For those that don’t understand sign language, she writes the prices on a piece of paper. The unique approach to marketing works for her as a number of people had already bought products by the time I left to check out other stands. She is a member of the United Deaf Women Cooperative that makes handicrafts and clothes, among others. If you want to buy something from the cooperative, these are some of the rates; decoration vases range from Rwf13,000 to Rwf30,000; sweaters Rwf10,000 to Rwf12,000; African jewelry at Rwf1,000, kitengi shirts and bags for Rwf10,000, necklaces Rwf6,000; laptop bags Rwf8,000; and mirrors cost between Rwf20,000 to Rwf30,000. Niyonkuru has been able save and pay for her tuition at Kigali Independent University using the money she earns. The second year said customers benefit from a 10 per cent discount on any products bought. The expo ends on September 6.

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Meet Niyonkuru, a shrewd deaf entrepreneur