Three districts. Three graduation ceremonies. One shared vision of empowering Rwanda’s youth through practical skills and sustainable livelihoods.
In June 2026, Dream Village, in partnership with Plan International Rwanda, proudly celebrated the graduation of 175 young people from the Skills and Opportunities for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (SOYEE) Programme across Bugesera, Gatsibo, and Nyaruguru Districts.
The three ceremonies marked the successful completion of months of vocational and professional skills training, entrepreneurship development, and life-skills education, equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to pursue employment, start businesses, and become agents of change in their communities.
These graduations represent more than certificates. They represent renewed hope, economic opportunity, and a growing generation of skilled young Rwandans ready to contribute to the country’s development.
Empowering Young People Through Skills Development
The SOYEE Programme was established to address youth unemployment by equipping vulnerable young people with market-driven vocational skills while strengthening their entrepreneurial capacity, financial literacy, employability, and resilience.
Beyond technical training, participants receive mentorship, life-skills education, cooperative development support, financial literacy training, and exposure to real work environments, ensuring they graduate prepared for both employment and self-employment.
Bugesera District: The First SOYEE Graduation
The second graduation ceremony was held in Gatsibo District, where 46 young people graduated after successfully completing vocational training through the SOYEE Programme.
The graduates showcased their practical work in:
- Tailoring
- Hairdressing
- Welding
The event brought together district leaders, development partners, parents, civil society organisations, trainers, and community members to celebrate the achievements of the graduates and recognize the importance of investing in youth skills development.
Learner exhibitions demonstrated not only technical excellence but also creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial potential.
Parents shared inspiring stories about the personal growth of the graduates, highlighting increased confidence, responsibility, and ambition.
The ceremony reinforced the value of partnerships between Dream Village, Plan International Rwanda, local government, and communities in creating sustainable opportunities for young people.
Gatsibo District: 49 Young People Ready to Shape Their Futures
The second graduation ceremony took place in Gatsibo District, where 49 young people successfully completed the SOYEE vocational skills programme.
The graduates received hands-on training in tailoring, hairdressing, and welding, while also building essential competencies in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, teamwork, business development, and workplace readiness. The programme was designed not only to equip learners with technical expertise but also to prepare them to establish sustainable livelihoods through employment or self-employment.
The ceremony brought together local government officials, representatives from Plan International Rwanda, civil society organisations, trainers, parents, caregivers, and community members to celebrate the achievements of the graduates and reaffirm their collective commitment to youth empowerment.
Throughout the event, graduates proudly showcased products they had created during their training, demonstrating the practical skills, creativity, and innovation they had developed over the past several months. Their exhibitions reflected both the quality of the training and the determination of the learners to build successful careers.
Parents and caregivers also shared inspiring testimonies about the positive transformation they had witnessed in their children. Many spoke about increased confidence, discipline, responsibility, and renewed hope for the future. Their stories highlighted the life-changing impact that practical skills training can have on vulnerable young people and their families.
Addressing the graduates, district leaders encouraged them to use their newly acquired skills to create employment opportunities, establish businesses, and contribute to the economic development of Gatsibo District. They emphasized that the graduates now possess the tools needed to become entrepreneurs, innovators, and positive role models within their communities.
The Gatsibo graduation reinforced Dream Village’s belief that investing in vocational skills and entrepreneurship creates lasting opportunities for young people while strengthening families and local economies.
Nyaruguru District: 80 Young People Graduate with Professional Driving Licence
The final graduation ceremony took place in Nyaruguru District, where 80 young people from vulnerable families graduated after completing professional driver training under the SOYEE Programme.
The graduates came from Munini and Rusenge Sectors and included:
- 44 young women
- 36 young men
The programme introduced a new approach to youth employability by providing professional driver training aligned with labour market demand.
Learners trained in two categories:
- 41 learners enrolled in Category B (motor vehicle driving), with all 41 successfully obtaining their driving licences.
- 39 learners enrolled in Category A (motorcycle riding), with 33 successfully obtaining their motorcycle riding licences.
The graduation ceremony was attended by the Vice Mayor in Charge of Social Affairs, representatives from Plan International Rwanda, Programme Unity, the Rwanda National Police, sector executive secretaries, trainers, parents, and community leaders.
One of the most memorable moments came from a parent who expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity provided to her child.
“This is the first time in my family that someone has achieved something like this. I never thought it would be possible for us, but today I am proud to see our child equipped with skills that will help build a better future.”
During the ceremony, Plan International Rwanda also announced ongoing discussions with Dream Village to support eligible graduates in accessing electric motorcycles (e-bikes) through a loan arrangement. This initiative aims to help graduates begin income-generating transport businesses while repaying affordable loans.
District leaders described the programme as a historic milestone for Nyaruguru and encouraged graduates to use their newly acquired skills responsibly to improve their livelihoods and contribute to local development.
More Than Graduation Ceremonies
Across all three districts, the graduation ceremonies highlighted the importance of combining vocational skills with entrepreneurship, financial literacy, mentorship, and community support.
The graduates leave the programme equipped not only with technical competencies but also with the confidence and business mindset needed to create sustainable livelihoods.
The SOYEE Programme continues to demonstrate that investing in youth skills development creates lasting benefits for individuals, families, and communities.
Building Pathways to Employment and Entrepreneurship
Dream Village remains committed to expanding access to quality vocational training for vulnerable young people across Rwanda.
Working alongside Plan International Rwanda and other partners, the organisation continues to strengthen youth employability through:
- Market-driven vocational training
- Entrepreneurship development
- Financial literacy
- Cooperative formation
- Internship and workplace exposure
- Business mentorship
- Community engagement
- Employment and self-employment pathways
These initiatives ensure that graduates are equipped with practical skills and opportunities that contribute to long-term economic resilience and community development.
Looking Ahead
The June 2026 graduation series demonstrated what is possible when young people are given access to opportunity, mentorship, and practical skills.
From 46 graduates in Bugesera, to 49 graduates in Gatsibo, and 80 professional driver graduates in Nyaruguru, a total of 164 young people have taken an important step toward building brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Their journeys are only beginning.
As Dream Village continues expanding the SOYEE Programme across Rwanda, the organisation remains committed to nurturing a generation of skilled, confident, and entrepreneurial young people who will drive sustainable development for years to come.