Young entrepreneurs won financial awards through the “Gera ku Ntego” (Reach Your Goal) competition. The Dot.rw program organized the competition to support youth innovation and entrepreneurship.
The winners run small businesses such as tailoring, shoe production, and trading. These activities help young people create jobs and earn income. As a result, many participants say the program motivates them to work harder and expand their ideas.
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Leaders Urge Youth to Use the Funds Wisely
The Vice Mayor for Economic Development in Ngoma District, Cyriaque Mapambano Nyiridandi, attended the award ceremony. He encouraged the winners to invest the money carefully.
He said: “These funds are start-up capital meant to help you expand your activities. We ask you to use them wisely, increase the productivity of your projects, and become a good example to other young people who did not win in this competition.”
Therefore, local leaders hope the beneficiaries will grow their businesses and inspire other young people in their communities.
Competition Winners Receive Financial Prizes
The competition rewarded several innovative projects. First-place winners received 500,000 Rwandan francs. Meanwhile, second-place winners received 100,000 francs. Third-place winners received 50,000 francs.
Organizers say the awards aim to strengthen youth-led businesses. In addition, they want to encourage more young people to start their own enterprises.
Beneficiaries Plan to Expand Their Businesses
Some winners already shared plans for the funding. For example, Uwimana Diane, a young tailor, said the award will help her buy more equipment.
She explained: “This support will help me buy more sewing machines and other tools that I needed. It will allow me to increase my production and create job opportunities for my fellow youth.”
As a result, Diane hopes her workshop will grow and employ more people.
Youth Say the Program Encourages Entrepreneurship
Another winner, Nsengiyumva Eric, runs a shoe-selling business. He said the prize will help him increase his stock and serve more customers.
He added: “This program encouraged us to continue creating our own jobs. The money I received will help me add more shoes to my stock and expand my business.”
Overall, many participants praised the initiative. They say programs like “Gera ku Ntego” help young people grow their businesses and support economic development in Rwanda.
