A total of 90 youth in Kisoro district have completed their training course in acquisition of hands on skills at St. Mary’s Mutolere Vocational Institute, sponsored by Caritas Kabale Diocese under the project termed as Protecting Yourself Against Violence (PROTECTRICE). Hands on kills were acquired in different courses which include hairdressing, tailoring, knitting, mechanics, catering, welding and carpentry.
The project which is implemented by Caritas Kabale Diocese commenced on February 6, 2026 and targets refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at Nyakabande Transit Centre together with the refugee host Communities in Kisoro district. The program also provides non food items such as blankets, mats, clothes, shoes, soap, menstrual pads to the refugees.
The ceremony of awarding certificates which took place on Friday, May 15, 2026 at St. Mary’s Mutolere Vocational Institute was preceded by a Thanksgiving Mass which was presided over by Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Uwiringiyimana, curate of St. Mary’s Mutolere Parish who set the tone for the day with a heartfelt homily. He encouraged the graduates to carry forward the spirit of prayer in all they do, and to guard their hearts against anger, reminding them that a calm spirit builds both good work and good relationships.
After Mass, there followed awarding of certificates to the graduates following their completion of the course. Sr. Kimanimpaye Priscilla, the Principal of St. Mary’s Vocational Training Institute addressed the graduates with words of encouragement, urging them to put the skills they had acquired into practice with excellence and integrity. “What you have learned here is not just for you, it is for your families, your communities, and the future you will build,” said Sr. Priscilla.
Caritas Kabale Diocese was represented by Ms. Nkesiga Amellius (gender, Youth and Social Inclusion Officer) and Mr. Dusabeyezu Julius (Livelihoods Officer for PROTECTRICE Program) who witnessed the occasion. In their remarks, they reminded the students that the skills they now hold are tools of dignity and provision.
Ms. Amellius advised the youth to humble themselves in all they do and doing it with much determination, patience and seeking God’s guidance. On the other hand, Mr. Dusabeyezu Julius urged the graduates to master their craft well because with skills acquired will help them feed their families and open doors for others.
Of the 90 youth who graduated, 75 were females while 15 were males and these stepped out into new possibilities. Of these, 33 youth completed a course in Tailoring, 31 completed course in Hairdressing, 10 completed a Knitting course, 6 completed a course in Mechanics, 6 completed a course in catering (Bakery), 2 completed Welding course and 2 completed Woodwork (carpentry).
Each certificate represents hours of practice, perseverance, and hope and behind every number is a young person now equipped to earn with dignity, support their family, and serve their community.
The graduates on their part expressed gratitude to Caritas Kabale Diocese for making a positive impact in their lives. They noted that it was a day of joy, gratitude, and hope, and that they not only celebrated certificates earned, but also transformed lives and purposeful future set in motion.
One, Kabageni Rosemary from Hospital Ward, Southern Division in Kisoro Municipality and a beneficiary of skills in hairdressing at St Mary’s Vocation Institute thanked God for the opportunity of being one of the beneficiaries and also appreciated Caritas Kabale Diocese for investing their resources in facilitating their training. She noted that with the skills acquired in hairdressing, she would focus on making her future life better by starting a salon and putting to use the skills acquired.
The training intervention was funded by Caritas Belgium International using funds from the Government of Belgium to support DRC Refugees host Communities in Kisoro district and implementation was done by Caritas Kabale Diocese, whose efforts are already bearing fruit.
Each of the graduates will be provided with a starter kit in his or her competence to employ him or herself, and that’s what is called youth empowerment which is in line with Caritas Kabale Diocese vision “Improved livelihoods for all.”
