A group of forty people, including women and the youth, have graduated from a creative arts programme supported by the Chinese government and the City of Kigali at Agaseke Center in Kicukiro District on Wednesday, October 28.

The training focused on enhancing participants’ creative arts skills, as well as equipping them with knowledge in gender equality, reproductive health and women’s rights.

According to Agaseke Centre coordinator Bella Rukwavu, the initiative, now in its third year, also helps graduates earn income by giving them opportunities to work with cooperative members to fulfil customer orders.

So far, the partnership has supported 125 women and young people over three years. In 2024, fifty were trained in financial literacy, e-commerce, marketing and storytelling; in 2025, 35 in creative arts, gender-based violence awareness and improved weaving. This year’s programme ran from August to October.

Speaking at the graduation, Chinese Ambassador Gao Wenqi said the programme helps participants improve their livelihoods.

"A growing number of trainees are not only learning skills, but also weaving better lives for their families,” he said, adding that the embassy will keep working with the City of Kigali and Agaseke Center to help more women and young people.

Martine Urujeni, Kigali’s Vice Mayor in Charge of Socio-Economic Affairs, said the initiative has helped participants develop skills for earning sustainable incomes.

Graduate Fabrice Ahishakiye said the training demanded patience, commitment and consistency, particularly in learning weaving techniques. He plans to start his own business and urged other young people to identify skills to learn.

Another graduate, Divine Masengesho, said the certificate was a step towards helping others acquire similar skills.

Two Agaseke Center representatives will attend the 2026 China International Import Expo in China next week with the embassy’s support.