On Monday, February 10, 85 graduates of BPR Bank Plc's Igire Program celebrated the completion of their six-month training in culinary arts, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and electronic repair and maintenance at a ceremony held at Park Inn Hotel, Kiyovu. The 2024 cohort graduated with a determination to create jobs, impact their communities, and contribute to Rwanda’s economic development, through vocational and entrepreneurship skills. ALSO READ: BPR Bank Rwanda empowers youth through Igire Alumni Club Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Martine Mpundu, a student from IPRC Gishari, expressed gratitude to BPR Bank Plc and its partners for equipping them with the skills and support needed to succeed in the job market. “We received hands-on training. As constructors, for example, we built houses from the ground up, not just theory, but real practical experience,” she said. Mpundu also emphasised how the programme has empowered young women, enabling them to thrive in male-dominated fields. “I was in construction, and some people discouraged us, saying girls couldn’t do it. But we studied well and followed the studies, and we did it. Now we are ready to perform very well on the job market and do perfect things like our brothers,” she noted. Patience Mutesi, Managing Director of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, congratulated the graduates for their hard work and reflected on the programme’s impact in transforming young people’s lives. “Since we started the programme, we have had almost a thousand students supported through this programme,” she said. “Today we celebrate 85 graduates out of 100 who have successfully completed this training and they are each now equipped with practical skills that will open doors for employment and entrepreneurship.” Mutesi reminded the graduates of the new journey they are starting and the impact their knowledge is anticipated to have. To the graduates, today marks the beginning of a new journey, she noted. The skills that you have acquired are more than just technical skills, but they are also tools for transformation. They will allow you to contribute to the development of your communities, create job opportunities, and be part of Rwanda's growing economy. Mutesi highlighted that under the programme, there are two main pillars; one pillar is around education, specifically vocational training where they take students through a six-month programme on specific vocational needs that they have. She pointed out that the second pillar is enterprise development, and since 2018, almost 300 businesses have been set up by participants of the programme. Mutesi highlighted that they work with different partners including technical partners like Rwanda Polytechnic and Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Rwanda to ensure that students receive both technical and soft skills needed to thrive in their businesses. She emphasised that graduates are not left behind after completing the programme. Through an alumni community forum, they stay connected, exchange ideas, and support each other in overcoming challenges. “It is really a moment of pride for us every time we have graduation to sit back and think about the impact that we are making as a bank,” she added. She expressed her appreciation to all the partners of the programme and urged graduates to embrace innovation, seek continuous learning, and remain committed to excellence in their chosen fields. Together we are shaping a future where every young person in Rwanda has access to opportunities that enable them to thrive. “As you step forward, I encourage you to embrace innovation, continuously seek knowledge, and remain dedicated to excellence in each of your chosen fields,” she advised. At the graduation ceremony, five outstanding businesses, including Silver Construction Enterprise and Promo Catering Ltd, were awarded Rwf 3 million each to kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys after winning the business pitching competition. Dr Jean-Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, Minister of Youth and Arts, commended the programme for aligning with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) through job creation. Utumatwishima congratulated the youth for their milestone, but also advised to never sit and wait for jobs, but rather be proactive and engage in volunteering activities as they look for jobs. “The first thing you will encounter is to say ‘What will I do without capital?’ I figured out that the first thing is knowledge about practical work, whether you have a college degree or any other education degree. So now that you gained practical skills, on my checklist for the youth, practical knowledge is checked.” He encouraged them to consider volunteering while looking for employment, as it helps build experience and exposure. “If no one has employed you yet, find a place where you can work as a volunteer. That experience will open doors for future opportunities,” he advised. Utumatwishima warned that unemployment often leads some youth into drug and alcohol abuse, urging the graduates to stay focused and engage in further studies and productive activities. The graduation ceremony also honoured previous Igire graduates who have built successful businesses, among them Françoise Ingabire, who started her business with Rwf 3 million and has made a turnover of Rwf 45 million, employing 16 staff and expanding serving markets in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Innocent Habimfura, DOT Rwanda Project Director, highlighted how the programme has transformed young people into entrepreneurs and change-makers in their communities. “They have been supported in identifying their community’s challenges and how they can turn them into business opportunities,” he noted. Habimfura highlighted that the graduates have been trained in making business plans, creating strong value propositions and creating customer-based assessments, emphasising the graduate's readiness for both the job market and the business world. “We have hope for you that in the coming future, you will make history in Rwanda and make job opportunities that will impact the community,” he added. “We are happy today, but will also be happier when we keep hearing that you are growing and developing.”
