Don Bosco Gatenga Graduates Boost Entrepreneurial Skills Through Specialized Training

About 100 graduates of Don Bosco Gatenga Technical Secondary School (TSS) have expressed profound gratitude for a specialized training session designed to equip them with the tools needed to launch and manage their own micro-businesses. The training, held on November 1, 2025, focused on fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical real-world application.

The alumni participants, spanning graduating classes from 2022 to 2025, attended the session organized through the Gender Matters for Green TVET project, which is supported by Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and Jugend Eine Welt.

Objectives and Key Lessons

The primary objective of the business skills training is to empower vulnerable girls and boys and young women with the essential knowledge needed to successfully start and manage micro-businesses. It aims to address significant barriers faced by young graduates, such as limited access to financial resources, a lack of confidence, and insufficient knowledge of essential business practices.

The training curriculum covers fundamental business principles, including financial management, marketing, and detailed business planning. It also introduces participants to Village Saving and Loan Associations (VSLA), providing potential access to financial resources and a crucial support network.

Nsabimana Simeo, one of the graduates, shared key takeaways regarding business initiation: “What I learned is that before starting a business, you must have a clear idea and a written business plan, even if you don’t have any money. Then, you need some capital—use what you’ve prepared—and get started.”. Simeo also acknowledged the common fear among new graduates who expect to immediately find a good job but struggle to apply their skills effectively outside the classroom.

Another alumnus, Fiston Nsabimana, emphasized the opportunity provided by the training, stating, “It’s a special opportunity to have attended this training. They told us that we should aim high”. Fiston noted his increased confidence in approaching BDF for funding or equipment to initiate his own projects.

Sylivie Mucyeshimana, who studied Electrical Industrial, confirmed that the training deepened her understanding of entrepreneurship, enabling her to easily connect her academic knowledge with practical outside experiences. She noted that this synergy “has enabled me to establish my own business and serve others while also growing personally”.

Focus on Self-Employment and Support Mechanisms

The initiative aims to enhance youth understanding of project development and highlight available opportunities. Eric Iradukunda, Project Analyst from the Government’s Business Development Fund, Kicukiro Branch, explained that the sessions teach the fundamentals of projects, including how they are initiated, registered, and how to secure funding through BDF. He stated, “For some, we assist with acquiring equipment; for others, we boost their confidence that success is achievable”.

Representing the Job Service Office in Gatenga, Dieudonné Kwizera highlighted that the training encourages youth to proactively seek opportunities for creating their own jobs instead of passively waiting for employment. He further stated, “We guide them on how to develop their projects and succeed”.

The overall sentiment among the participants was highly positive. They unanimously thanked Don Bosco Gatenga TSS for its continued follow-up and support even after graduation.

Mr. Dominique Uwarugira, the Project Officer in the Salesian Planning and Development Office speaking to the youth

The participants agreed that this ongoing support has helped them acquire more knowledge and foster sustainable personal development, renewing their confidence and motivating them to create employment opportunities for themselves and benefit society.