Gatsibo SOYEE Hub Celebrates Graduation of 49 Young People Ready to Build Their Futures

SOYEE Gatsibo Graduation 2026
GATSIBO, Rwanda – 12 June 2026:  Dream Village, in partnership with Plan International Rwanda, proudly celebrated the graduation of 49 young people from the Skills and Opportunities for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (SOYEE) Programme at the Gatsibo SOYEE Hub.The graduation ceremony, held under the theme “Celebrating Skills, Unlocking Opportunities,” marked an important milestone for the graduates who successfully completed vocational and entrepreneurship training designed to equip them with practical skills, confidence, and pathways to sustainable livelihoods.The event brought together district and sector leaders, representatives from civil society organizations, international NGOs, community members, parents, caregivers, trainers, and development partners to recognize the achievements of the graduates and reaffirm a collective commitment to youth empowerment.

Building Skills for Employment and Entrepreneurship

The SOYEE Programme was established to equip vulnerable and unemployed young people with market-relevant vocational skills while strengthening their entrepreneurship capacity, financial literacy, employability, and self-reliance.Over the training period, learners gained practical experience in:
  • Tailoring
  • Hairdressing
  • Welding
  • Entrepreneurship and business development
  • Financial literacy and savings culture
  • Cooperative development and teamwork
The programme combines technical training with life skills, mentorship, safeguarding, and entrepreneurship support to help young people transition successfully into employment, self-employment, and business ownership.

Showcasing Talent and Innovation

A highlight of the graduation ceremony was the presentation of learner projects and practical demonstrations. Representatives from tailoring, hairdressing, and welding showcased products and skills developed during their training journey.Guests had the opportunity to visit exhibitions, interact directly with graduates, and learn about the innovations, products, and business ideas emerging from the programme.The presentations demonstrated not only technical competence but also creativity, problem-solving abilities, and entrepreneurial thinking among the graduates.

Community Support Drives Success

The graduation ceremony featured remarks from parents, learner representatives, local leaders, Dream Village staff, and representatives from Plan International Rwanda.Parents shared stories of transformation, describing increased confidence, discipline, responsibility, and ambition among the graduates. Community leaders commended the programme for addressing youth unemployment and creating opportunities for young people to contribute positively to local economic development.The strong participation of stakeholders reflected the importance of partnerships in creating sustainable opportunities for youth.

More Than a Certificate

For the graduates, the ceremony represented more than the completion of a training programme. It marked the beginning of a new chapter as skilled young professionals ready to pursue employment, establish businesses, join cooperatives, and contribute to their communities.The SOYEE model focuses on helping young people move beyond training by connecting them to entrepreneurship opportunities, financial services, mentorship, and practical pathways to income generation.By investing in youth skills and entrepreneurship, Dream Village and Plan International Rwanda are helping create a generation of young people equipped to shape their own futures and drive community development.

Looking Ahead

As Dream Village continues expanding the SOYEE Programme across Rwanda, the organization remains committed to empowering young people with the skills, opportunities, and support they need to succeed.The graduation of 49 young people in Gatsibo is a powerful reminder that when young people are given access to quality skills training, mentorship, and opportunity, they become innovators, entrepreneurs, employers, and agents of positive change.To all graduates of the Gatsibo SOYEE Hub Class of 2026: congratulations on this achievement. Your journey is only beginning, and we look forward to seeing the impact you will create in your communities and beyond.
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