Youth skilling is an important pathway to creating meaningful and dignified work for young people, especially young women. Antonia Mutoro, National Coordinator of The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Rwanda, made the remarks during a convening of potential stakeholders with young women in entrepreneurship and FAWE. The event which happened July 15, aimed at networking and creating a platform to discuss the challenges that face young entrepreneurs. It was also in line with the celebration of World Youth Skills Day, a day which aims at recognising the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. The future of work is evolving and it is up to young people to prepare and adapt to this environment, Mutoro said, adding that they are also expected to think and create solutions to problems that are faced mostly by their communities and the country as well. According to Rose Baguma, Director General of Education Policy and Analysis at the Ministry of Education, the government is glad to celebrate World Youth Skills Day with the success of such initiatives like FAWE Rwanda. “When we get a partner supporting what we are doing, it is a big support to us. It shows they are reliable partners and champions of gender equality in education,” Baguma said. Among its roles, FAWE works to support entrepreneurship skills and create an impact on the future of work for young people, but also supplement the governments effort in empowering young people in preparing them for the career world. One of its beneficiaries, Beatha Siborurema, who is also the CEO and Founder of SIBO engendering CO Ltd, a company that produces tiles from plastic waste, said the training she got in digital marketing and communication helped in upgrading her business. She said she learnt how to seek financial support, how to attract potential clients among other things. “This day highlights the great work done by the government by supporting game changer organisations like FAWE, that are contributing to the development of Rwanda through career coaching and guidance for young people,” she added. For Ange Clarisse Gusenga, another trainee and founder of Proof Made Ltd, this is a good day to inspire fellow youth in entrepreneurship, to never be afraid of trying something challenging or underestimate themselves with the skills they have, and make greater decisions for the future. Trainees in this program were able to showcase their products during the event, which they hoped to help them acquire more customers. To get access to this program, participants apply for the training and those who qualify with the requirements are granted a chance to upgrade their skills to assist them prepare work for the career world. The trainings are supported by Mastercard Foundation, UN Women, in partnership with DOT Rwanda, Harambee and BDF. At least 220 trainees, mainly young women, have been trained in entrepreneurship, sexual reproductive health and rights, and digital literacy skills by FAWE Rwanda.
