In Nyamagabe District, young people have a place where they can meet, learn, and gain valuable knowledge that helps them build a better future. Nyamagabe Youth Center was established to support different groups of youth, including school graduates, students, and those engaged in small-scale jobs, by providing them with skills and opportunities for self-development.
The center offers various vocational training programs such as tailoring, hairdressing, and beauty services. Through these programs, young people receive practical training that prepares them to start their own businesses or enter the job market. In addition to vocational skills, the youth also receive training in reproductive health, personal development, and financial management knowledge that helps them live healthier and more productive lives.
The center also provides a space for recreation and social interaction through traditional games, which help strengthen teamwork and unity among the youth.
To support girls attending the center, a Girls’ Room has been established to assist them during their menstrual periods. This facility helps girls continue their studies without interruption due to hygiene or health challenges.
Beyond the skills they gain, young people are also connected to various opportunities available across the country. They are given chances to learn from successful youth and to visit different parts of the country where young entrepreneurs have achieved significant progress.
Jean Felix Mizero, the Director of NAC Rwanda who works with the district to manage the center, says their goal is to equip youth with relevant and modern skills.
“Our goal is to help young people become self-reliant and access opportunities that improve their lives. We have also introduced new programs that allow some students to study using technology through online learning,” he explains.
The center offers several services that help youth build their future, including:
- A library with different books that help expand knowledge
- Vocational training such as tailoring and hairdressing
- Education on reproductive health and well-being
- Training on saving and financial management
- Connecting youth with employment and business opportunities
Some of the young people studying at Nyamagabe Youth Center say the center has helped them begin their journey toward self-employment. Florence Akingeneye, a tailoring student, says the center helped her pursue her dream of learning a vocational skill.
“I always wanted to learn a tailor but faced many challenges. Nyamagabe Youth Center gave me the opportunity to study tailoring. In just two months, I have learned how to sew school uniforms, skirts, and children’s shorts. I am confident that once I complete my training, I will be able to enter the job market.”
Youth at the center are also encouraged to form savings groups where they contribute small amounts of money to help them start their own businesses after completing their training.
Clarisse Uwimana, who trained in hairdressing, says the knowledge she gained helped her begin her own activities. “Here, you don’t only gain skills; we are also taught how to save. I now own two pigs and five rabbits that I bought using money from my work and our savings group.”
Similarly, Imfurankase Marie Louise, another hairdressing graduate, says the skills she gained improved her family’s livelihood. “Before, I had to ask my husband for money to buy basic items like salt or soap. Now I can braid hair and earn money to support my family.”
Despite the positive impact, the center still faces some challenges. According to Mizero Jean Felix, there is still a shortage of learning equipment and experienced trainers in certain vocational fields.
He also notes that fewer young men participate in some programs such as hairdressing and beauty training. To address this, the center has introduced new programs that may attract more boys, including training on road safety laws and forest-related knowledge, which is relevant because Nyamagabe District has many forests.
Hildebrand Niyomwungeri, the Mayor of Nyamagabe District, says the district appreciates the role the center plays in youth development. “Many young people have gained valuable skills here, and some have already been connected to employment opportunities. Some are now working in workshops and different vocational centers.”
He adds that the district will continue collaborating with partners to strengthen the center and help graduates connect with the job market.
Nyamagabe Youth Center started its activities in 2022. Since then, it has helped more than 650 young people gain skills that enable them to find jobs or start their own businesses. Currently, the center works with over 80 youth from different sectors of Nyamagabe District.
Some graduates from the center have already secured jobs in various companies, including factories operating in Kigali City. As plans to introduce more training programs continue, Nyamagabe Youth Center remains a strong pillar in empowering young people equipping them with skills, opportunities, and hope for a brighter future.
