There are positive signs that Job Net, Kigali’s annual job fair, is paying off as more young graduates are increasingly benefitting from the initiative in different ways. The annual job fair is organised by the City of Kigali, through Kigali Employment Service Centre (KESC), in partnership with Private Sector Federation and other partners. This year’s edition, that took place on Thursday, brought together around 2,000 jobseekers at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village where they met 60 prospective employers. The event was taking place for the fifth time. Fanfan Rwanyindo, the Minister for Public Service and Labour, hailed the initiative saying that a strategic partnership with private sector companies would not only promote employment opportunities, but also help the youth to turn their business ideas into reality. “This initiative complements our efforts in creating employment opportunities for our young people, especially graduates. It has been, and continues to be, a channel of connecting our young people to the labour market, ensuring smooth transition from school to work,” she said. She said that the youth can seek jobs but should also get advice from companies on how best they can develop and grow their own business. Since KESC Job Net was initiated in 2013, at least 1,903 youths have found jobs, while over 3,900 graduates underwent professional internships. Rwanyindo requested youth to improve their after-school experience in order to make a difference on labour market. Patricie Muhongerwa, the City Vice Mayor in Charge of Social Affairs, said the job fair does not target only the youth from Kigali, but all jobseekers across the country. “The job fair is open to all Rwandans. They can interact with potential employers and explore job opportunities available while some companies have also suggested training the youth on how they can create their own jobs to be self-employed and employ others,” she said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
