The Graduation Project that has been implementing in Mahama, Nyabiheke and Kiziba Refugee camps and their host communities; as well as in Kigali urban was concluded on 11th December 2024 at Nobleza Hotel Kicukiro.
During its 5-year lifetime, the Graduation Project supported 3,017 households. The participants benefited from various training sessions and received cash grants of Rwf 800,000 each to start income-generating activities towards their self-reliance. 3,017 businesses were established, resulting in the creation of 4,987 jobs. 8 cooperatives were formed as well, to enhance collective economic activities.
In his opening remarks, Father Oscar Kagimbura, the Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda commended various participants for their contribution in the project achievements, especially in improving lives of refugees and host communities.
During this event, the Graduation Project participants delivered touching testimonies demonstrating how they became empowered and self-reliant, thanks to this project’s support. In a gallery walk, they exposed and gave more explanations to guests regarding their income generating activities.
The Danemark Mission in Rwanda’s representative in the ceremony, Karangwa Viateur, stressed that after visiting the projects participants’ income-generating activities, they noticed that there are so many people who need help that one donor cannot support alone. He called on various donors to get engaged so that they can form a coalition and help people in need. In fact, the Danemark mission has approved the second phase of the Graduation project basing on its first phase achievements.
Mrs. Richelle Haines, who spoke on behalf of the UNHCR Rwanda at the Graduation Project closeout ceremony, commended the Rwanda Government for receiving the refugees and giving them opportunities to develop. Mrs. Haines emphasized that the Graduation project has provided lessons on empowering refugees towards self-reliance.
As for Mr. Karabayinga Emmanuel, the guest of honour in the ceremony and representing the Rwanda Ministry of Emergency Management commended Caritas Rwanda for successfully implementing a project aligned with the Rwanda’s 2016 leaders’ summit commitment to promoting livelihoods for refugees. As a result of the summit, the strategy was launched by MINEMA and UNHCR aiming to transition refugees from dependency to self-reliance alongside host communities. He also thanked donors for their support and congratulated participants on their five-year journey toward self-reliance.
The Graduation project closeout ceremony was also an occasion to share the lessons learned and the way forward through a panel discussion formed by camp managers, mayors, refugees’ representatives and Caritas Rwanda’s staff.
The Graduation Project is funded by the Government of Denmark through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Over a five-year period (2020-2024), it has cost $3,066,640 USD (around Rwf 4,250,000,000). It aims to promote economic inclusion and self-reliance of refugees and their host communities in Rwanda (with a target of 3017 households). Furthermore, the Denmark government had agreed to provide funding for the Graduation second phase.