Unemployment is still a challenging issue calling for urgent measures. Different players from the private sector, NGOs and Government institutions have shared efforts to address this, but more is still needed to be done. During a meeting that was held earlier this month, at the City of Kigali, participants concluded that this challenge needs to be addressed from the root. Mayor of Kigali City, Pudence Rubingisa said the government has a plan where different initiatives are to be set, in order to provide start-up capital for the youth that are getting ready to start up their own businesses. But in such cases, it’s through competitions; there’s the eligibility criterion for one to access the funding, get trained and also work on their proposals. Private Sector Federation representative, Didas Twagirayezu said universities should invite experienced people from different fields like businessmen to share testimonies with the students. This can expose students to knowledge and information for those who want to venture into entrepreneurship. Smooth transition for graduates Private sector Federation pledged support in form of internships for graduates. Patrick Ruhumuriza, an entrepreneur points to financial capital, lacking collateral and high interest rates, as some of the challenges affecting those who want to start their businesses. He cited that it could be helpful if the City of Kigali created a centre for people who are willing to voluntarily share skills, invite them for trainings, and offer them free workplaces. “These can be platforms for people to access jobs through the sharing of skills and information.” Abdul Rahim, founder of SmartClass, an initiative aimed at digitising education from a paper-based system to one that allows access to a variety of teaching and learning methods using technology, calls upon parents to support their children even when they’re done with school. “Awareness needs to be done for parents to know that it is okay to even support the child they’ve paid schools fees for, to implement their projects as well,” he said. The youth requested the government to help those who are trying to start businesses, with easing the working conditions like the cost of rent, among others. Mami Saida, Human Resource Manager at Bank of Kigali encouraged youth to reach out for help. “As youth, you should be able to allocate yourself on the market, you have to make some noise, meaning you can reach out to us, reach out to other companies and present your projects for funding,” she said. She also added that there should be an assessment file, showing what exactly the students want and expect to even assess how they’ve performed to help them get experience and be ready for competing on the labour market.
