On October1, 2025, Caritas Rwanda distributed starter toolkits to forty Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), who had successfully completed their professional (TVET) training program, to support them as they begin their journey into income-generating activities and self-reliance.
The distribution event brought together community leaders, Caritas Rwanda staff, representatives from BK Foundation, the trainees and their families. The toolkits, comprising essential equipment and materials tailored to trainees’ fields, included sewing, hairdressing, auto mechanics, and construction.
Mukeshimana Grâce, one of the trainees from Rays of Hope TVET School, thanked Caritas Rwanda, through its Igire-Gimbuka program, and the BK Foundation, as well as the schools that helped them acquire vocational skills. She added that during her internship, she was able to save money for herself and her child.
Nsabayesu Claude, who studied auto mechanics at Samuduha Integrated College, said he used the money saved from his internship to buy a pig. “Even if you give me Rwf 200,000, I can’t sell it to you,” he said with a smile.
Nyirangirinshuti Judith, one of the parents, thanked all partners who helped worked together to help their children escape from vagabondage to acquire vocational skills and who provided them with the startup kits they needed to start working. She also mentioned that during his internship, her child saved enough to buy 20 chickens.
In addition to receiving startup kits, the trainees also received certificates.
Advice to students and their parents
Uwayo Joel, who represented the BK Foundation at the ceremony, stated that one of the three pillars of the BK Foundation is supporting education: “Help us so that the efforts made through this partnership are not in vain,” he added.
Ntakirutimana Jean, Deputy Chief of Party of Caritas Rwanda’s Igire-Gimbuka program, explained to the graduates that learning how to find markets is one thing; finding and profiting from them is another, urging them to demonstrate professionalism and honesty to progress.
In her speech, the Vice Mayor of Nyamasheke District in charge of social affairs, Mrs. Mukankusi Athanasie, told the young graduates that they are not obliged to work only in Nyamasheke District, but that they can broaden their horizons and open up to other regions. “Just as you see that pompom on your hat swinging and moving everywhere, you too should go everywhere, putting into practice what you have learned and earning money,” said Ms. Athanasie.
The Vice Mayor also told the parents that their children need them more than ever and that they must continue to be close to them and provide guidance so they can progress.
This is the result of a strong partnership
This startup kits distribution is part of a partnership agreement signed in August 2024 between the five implementing partners of the Igire-Gimbuka program (two of which are no longer implementing it) and the BK Foundation. Under this agreement, the BK Foundation committed to supporting 200 young people from selected districts (Muhanga, Kayonza, Kicukiro, Rwamagana, and Nyamasheke) to enable them to pursue technical and vocational training (TVET) through Igire-Gimbuka.
Details of this partnership agreement are available on our website:
To watch a video of this event, click here: