Friday, October 1, 2021, at IPRC Huye held an official graduation of 246 ex-combatants and dependents that completed the 6 months vocational training in different TVET and Polytechnic schools countrywide. NYIRARUKUNDO Ignatienne, The Minister of State In charge of Social Affairs at the Ministry of Local Government and Guest of Honor in this ceremony, called on the beneficiaries of this program to use their skills for the development of Rwanda.

246 ex-FDLR members and their dependents have been supported to pursue Technical and Vocational training through the Project: ‘Support to the reintegration of ex-FDLR combatants and dependents repatriated to Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo’. The project is implemented by RDRC in partnership with UNDP and UN Women, with funding from the UN Secretary General’s Peace Building Fund (PBF).

During this graduation, the Principal of IPRC Huye Maj. Dr. TWABAGIRA Barnabe mentioned that those ex-combatants were trained well with needful skills and equipped with discipline.

“We do not only deliver the courses but we train our students include those who graduated today to be disciplined. I am sure that the combination of both skills and discipline will help them to succeed in their daily lives.” Said the Principal Maj. Dr. Barnabe TWABAGIRA

On behalf of those who completed their trainings, MBARUSHIMANA Moise, who got trained among 23 ex-combatants at IPRC Huye in Welding Trade, thanked the Government of Rwanda for this opportunity.

“In general, our relation with our neighbors is well at our villages. We thank the leadership of Rwanda that thought about us and gave as a direction to study whatever we want in TVET. Now, we are satisfied with all skills gained.”

The Minister of State In charge of Social Affairs at the Ministry of Local Government NYIRARUKUNDO Ignatienne, who was the Guest of Honor, implored those ex-combatants to use their skills and join their forces with other Rwandans to develop the country.  

“Delivering the vocational courses to the ex-combatants including FDLR and other forces is one of the Government of Rwanda’s programs that aim at helping all Rwandans who were in DRC’s forests to reintegrate themselves in society when they will return in their families. This enables them also to contribute to the development of the country starting by them as all Rwandans do. Henceforth, I call upon all beneficiaries who graduated today to play your role in the development of our country.” NYIRARUKUNDO Ignatienne, MoS at MINALOC

The six months training held at 9 schools namely: IPRC Huye, IPRC Karongi, ETEFOP Musanze, Tyazo TVET, Nyanza TVET, Kayenzi TVET, Don Bosco TVET Nyamagabe, Nyamata TVET and Gacuriro TVET.  They got trained in 7 trades: Welding, Tailoring, Mechanic, Hair dressing, Masonry, Painting and Carpentry.

In this graduation ceremony, various toolkits were distributed to the beneficiaries. Other authorities who participated in this event included: The Governor of the Southern Province KAYITESI Alice, Chairperson of RDRC NYIRAHABINEZA Valerie, The Mayor of Huye District SEBUTEGE Ange, The Representative of UN Branches in Rwanda, etc.