AIMEE MUKARUGIRA: REAPING FROM CRAFTS AND BRACELETS

Aimee is a humble, hardworking and goal driven young Rwandese lady. She is a self employed KiBO alumnus of the 31st class who currently makes exceptionally beautiful crafts and bracelets.

Hers is a story of continuous self improvement against all odds. She stopped her studies in S.4 and then joined an institute for a certificate in Secretarial Studies. She managed to save her pocket money, bought a few materials that enabled her start a crafts Business. This is how she currently earns a living.

HOW SHE KNEW ABOUT KIBO

She was informed about an opportunity to study ICT by a friend at KiBO. She went to the Refugee Law Project where she was then sent to Rubaga Division to apply, and this brief explains how she got to know about KiBO.

KIBO EXPERIENCE:

Aimee expected to gain ICT skills and get a certificate at the end of her KiBO training. However, she got more than just ICT skills.

• ·         She appreciates the new friends she got and the team work spirit that was exhibited during project work.
• ·         Community service enabled her learn how to sensitize communities on good hygienic practices and doing service above self
• ·         She further sharpened her entrepreneurship and saving skills.

A jolly Aimee Mukarugira at KiBO Foundation

Above all, she is so proud to know that her personal participation in every activity is very important in changing lives and communities

Aimee says, “….this program should not stop with us. So many youth need the skills imparted through the KiBO program and should therefore be expanded to different communities. The KiBO program helps people to become better leaders who can effect positive change in their communities for National transformation and development”.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• ·         Aimee did not believe she could start up a big business for herself. She is grateful for the project planning and management practical sessions she had while at KiBO. The green House project made her see the possibility of doing something bigger than herself.
• ·         The Speaker series and spontaneous class presentation sessions enabled her learn how to speak to people with confidence.
• ·         She has a better self esteem than she had before KiBO.
• ·         Fundraising skills for a genuine cause is another lesson she took home from her KiBO journey
• ·         Aimee has learnt that it’s not always about having a job. Doing voluntary work to make a difference in communities is also important.

LIFE AFTER KIBO

Aimee lives a life full of optimism and hope for a better tomorrow. She applies some of the lessons she learnt from KiBO in her day to day running of business. She has worked hard to build her customer network. She is also using the power of social networking to expand on her customer base.

Aimee has been in position to export some of her crafts and she is so grateful that all these lessons were brought to her attention during the KiBO program. She really appreciates the power of networking in business.  Her customers are members from the neighborhood and community. She is currently developing a business proposal to start up a Crafts shop that portrays the diverse cultures in Uganda.

Aimee is grateful to the George Drew Trust for the opportunity to experience this unique training that KiBO imparts to the youth. This amazing journey has helped her get equipped with skills that have changed her life style, financial status and mindset.

(Article written by Douglas Balikuddembe, Tutor KiBO Foundation)