Monday 18 November Musanze Vocational Centre had the occasion to celebrate the last group of graduates out of the ECOPD project. This programme was started 3 years ago with a significant investment from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency). Since then 10 VTC’s have trained 1800 ex-combatants and other people with disabilities to gain employment.
As NCPD is considering the development of a follow-on project, also focused on upskilling PwD’s with both technical, business and soft skills, Emmanuel Murera and Kirsty Buxbom, both NCPD were delighted to receive and accept an invitation to participate in the graduation ceremony from Maho Harada, JICA.
The training has taken place in diverse subject areas ranging from mechanics, welding, carpentry and tailoring. It has been a challenging journey for many, as the students started their course at differentiated levels and many also had to balance complex family commitments in addition to having a disability. Having gained these practical skills after 6 months of hard work, the graduates were clearly proud to receive their certificates and starter kit as evidence of attaining useful and practical qualifications. The day was living proof that disability is not an inability, as the happy graduates celebrated their significant achievements with teachers and sponsors.
Reporter
Kirsty BUXBOM/NCPD