179 former street children receive life changing skills

A total of 179 former street kids have been awarded with certificates after completing the Reach Up Program in ICT, Business and Life Skills at Iwawa Rehabilitation and Vocational Skills Development Centre.

Started in 2010, the Reach Up trains youth in business and ICT and links participants to business development and microfinance opportunities in their career of choice.

Government of Rwanda established the rehabilitation and vocational skills development centre in order to give street children the chance to forge a career off the streets.

Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Jaques Nsabimana who graduated in ICT skills narrated how this program changed his life and that of his colleagues.

“I want to be self employed, I will start an electricity selling point in my village which will not only help me generate revenue but will also facilitate people in the neighborhood to easily have access to cash power,” said Nsabimana.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and ICT, Rosemary Mbabazi commended the youth who completed the program saying that it can be a foundation to start projects which will help them produce and earn a living.

Students at Iwawa not only take part in vocational training, but also enjoy cultural and sporting activities such as football, volley ball and boxing. They also watch movies relevant to their training at night.