The new employees trained in tailoring include those from vulnerable families, teen mothers and other needy members of the society.

The six-month training falls under ‘Igira Ku Murimo’ (Workplace Learning Support Programme) introduced by Rwanda Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Board on the funding of the World Bank. So far, over 25,000 beneficiaries have been trained.

Beneficiaries have told IGIHE that they are ready to take advantage of the training and job opportunities to contribute to individual growth and national development.

“It is not easy but commitment is paramount to achieve great things. We have ability to do what people with all parts of body can do. I was among trained individuals and exhibited good performance. My thanks go to the President of the Republic for having taken us out of isolation. I am hired by the plant but I have aspirations to grow and start my own business,” said Olive Mukanzabakurana, one of recruited employees living with disability.

Her colleague, Zachée Ntakiyimana said that skills acquired from the training offered by C&D Rwanda Ltd will help her lead decent life.

“They started training me from scratch because I had no prior background in tailoring. Today, I can make garments of all types. I am convinced that acquired skills are critical to improve livelihoods and help individuals create own businesses. I was jobless before but I believe this is the beginning of desired transformations,” she said.

An employee who spoke on behalf of colleagues also disclosed that acquired skills will help beneficiaries a great deal and thanked the Government of Rwanda for having introduced the Workplace Learning Support Programme and the management of C&D for giving them the opportunity.

The owner of C&D based in Kigali Special Economic Zone in Masoro, Gordon Gu told IGIHE that he is committed to continue supporting Made in Rwanda policy.

He explained that the company employs over 4,000 workers with a target to provide job opportunities to more than 7000 Rwandans to support national programmes meant to create new jobs.

Gordon Gu revealed that 90% of the company’s products are mainly exported to Europe and reiterated commitment to continue supporting Made in Rwanda.

He urged new employees to work hard to sustain the plant’s activities and make a great impact to Rwandans.

Jean Damascène Renzaho, an official from Rwanda TVET Board in charge of capacity building said that the Workplace Learning Support Programme is yielding good results since it was introduced three years ago.

He requested the private sector to support the programme as it contributes to skills development among the youth.

Rwanda targets to enroll 60% of students in TVET schools and provide jobs to 86% within six months of graduation by 2024.

New employees attest that received training has seta foundation for transformed livelihoods.

Trainees during a recent graduation ceremony.

One of trainees receiving certificate of completion.

Cold protective clothes are also manufactured at the factory.

The owner of C&D reiterated commitment to ensure the factory's sustainability benefits Rwandans.