Karongi: Rays of Hope TVET School Graduates 111 Students in Tailoring Program

Rays of Hope TVET School in Karongi has celebrated the graduation of 111 students from its tailoring program, marking a significant milestone for the institution and the community it serves.

The school, founded by Pastor Jan Berkmans Ndayishima through Global Help to Heal, Inc (GHH), aims to provide technical vocational education and training aiming to empower students, guiding them toward self-sufficiency and a brighter future. The uniqueness of this school is that they also accept children facing severe challenges, including those who have been abandoned, like teen mothers or lived on the streets. The initiative aligns with the country’s broader goals of social inclusion and economic development.
In an inspiring speech, Pastor Ndayishima shared that the school was born from a deep desire to give back to his homeland after being inspired by the guidance of President Paul Kagame while in the United States.
“After hearing the President’s advice, I realized I could contribute to my country by helping those in need. This vision led to the founding of GHH and, ultimately, the establishment of this school,” he explained.

The school’s mission focuses on empowering youth by equipping them with practical skills that can help them create better futures. Pastor Ndayishima highlighted the school’s commitment to providing education to all young people including those who have often been overlooked by society, particularly those with children of their own. Many of the graduates had faced abandonment or neglect, and the school offered a chance to break the cycle of poverty.

In a unique approach, the school established a crèche where the children of students are cared for while their parents pursue their education. This support enables students to focus on their studies without worrying about childcare, and the children are provided with nutritious meals to help prevent malnutrition. This holistic approach has been instrumental in the program’s success.

Some graduates have already secured jobs in various factories across the country, while others have ventured into entrepreneurship, creating job opportunities for their peers. Pastor Ndayishima expressed his pride in their achievements, stating,

“This initiative is proving successful, and it’s clear that these students are ready to make a positive impact in their communities.”

One of the graduates, Uwase Gloria, shared her personal journey of overcoming adversity. Having given birth at the age of 16, Gloria faced significant challenges but found hope and a new direction at Rays of Hope.

“When I came here, I was able to focus on my education without worrying about my child, who was well cared for in the crèche. I am now skilled in tailoring and plan to use my abilities to support myself and my child,” she said.

The Deputy Mayor of Karongi District in charge of social welfare, Mrs Umuhoza Pascasie, praised the school for its role in helping these young people escape poverty. She noted that the school’s work aligns with the government’s five-year NST2 program, which includes creating new job opportunities and addressing malnutrition.

“The work done here is closely linked with national strategies for improving livelihoods, and I am confident these graduates will contribute to the economy and continue to inspire others,” she said.

Umuhoza emphasized that these graduates now have the tools to succeed in their careers and contribute to the country’s growth, especially through the export of the products they make. She encouraged them to stay focused, avoid falling into bad habits, and continue working towards personal and national development.

With the graduation of the third cohort, which includes 111 students, the total number of graduates from Rays of Hope TVET School has reached 232, with earlier cohorts graduating 96 and 25 students, respectively.

As these young women and men move forward in life, the hope is that they will not only transform their own futures but also serve as role models for others in their communities, proving that education and hard work can break even the most challenging cycles of poverty.

Gashonga JC