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Secondary school dropouts are expected to be supported to complete their studies and learn vocational skills
Uwajeneza Donatha
Mar 11, 2025 - 20:31
The Ministry of Youth and Arts Development has announced that secondary school dropouts will be supported to resume their studies, along with receiving vocational training. The ministry states that this is part of a broader initiative to accelerate job creation and reduce youth unemployment. This follows the realization that for many young people, returning to school and acquiring vocational skills makes it easier for them to create their jobs.
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Umurerwa Solange is one of the youth from the Southern Province who started a business making soap from cassava peels after graduating from secondary school in 2021.
Speaking to Isango Star, Umurerwa said, “We take cassava peels and turn them into oil, which we mix with other products to make strong soap. Our soap is very popular because we explain its uses, and people are curious about its results.”
Nishimwe Gad, who also graduated from university, created a business making bricks from recycled glass bottles and clay materials.
He said, “We thought of a way to provide a solution, and we realized it’s very possible to use glass bottles. When you see how they are prepared, they’re designed in a way that won’t harm anyone. People can handle them with their hands without any issues. We use this to make bricks like this one!”
Both of them mention that some of their peers are still afraid to start businesses, mainly due to the fear of failure. However, they encourage others to take risks and step forward.
Umurerwa said, “I believe this is something that can sustain a person because you work and get paid monthly, you are able to save, solve different problems, and progress in general. My advice to the youth is that they must be bold because we are capable. They must take risks and start various projects. You work, and there are opportunities for the youth, with support available to help us.”
Dr. Utumatwishima Abdallah, the Minister of Youth and Arts Development, stated that in line with the country’s vision, the youth should play a key role in creating jobs, especially since they represent 73% of the country’s population.
He said, “Now in NST2 (National Strategy for Transformation 2), in these five years, we aim to create 250,000 jobs. The youth must be at the forefront of job creation. We have found that in order for employment to be possible, the key factor is having youth who at least know the basics: reading and writing.”
“We are working with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Service, and the Ministry of Local Government to see if any young person who dropped out of secondary school due to family issues or other reasons, can complete their secondary education in a very short time, and then we’ll add vocational skills to help them create jobs. This is one of the programs we are planning.”
Currently, in the Southern Province, with a population of over 3,130,634, more than 783,993 are youth. Among them, 4,970 have successfully created jobs, forming 71 cooperatives.
By:UWAJENEZA Donatha; Author: RUKUNDO Emmanuel
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