A total of 30 women trained in entrepreneurship skills graduated last week from the School of Finance and Banking (SFB) under the Goldman Sachs Programme and were awarded certificates. This 4th Graduation Ceremony was officiated by the Hon. Minister of Trade and Industry, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, at the Serena Hotel-Kigali, on Wednesday 23rd June, 2010. In her speech, the minister thanked the women for having completed their course that lasted for six months. In addition, she congratulated the graduands and informed them that “the vision of Rwanda is to have an economy based on entrepreneurs like you”. The minister was pleased to see that women are also participating in other economic activities apart from agricultural ones. She urged that women are capable and that the government is there to empower them. On top of their certificates, some 4 women who had the best Business Plans were awarded US $ 2,500 each as away of promoting their business at the same time encouraging others to perform even better.

The entrepreneurship programme is a result of collaborative efforts put in place by SFB together with the William Davidson Institute (WDI) of Michigan, USA and the Goldman Sachs. Since the programme started, a total of 120 women have so far graduated. Under this programme, the women learn various skills, which include; how to make Business Plans, ways of acquiring Bank Loans, Book Keeping, Marketing, Customer Care, to mention but a few.

In his own words, the Rector of SFB Dr. Reid E. Whitlock thanked the women for being able to complete their course. He urged them to always remember the positive role played by SFB in making sure that they attain entrepreneurial skills, which can help them improve their business and hence change their lives positively. He emphasized that all the women who have completed the programme are now role models in as far as the entrepreneurship field is concerned. He reminded them that the skills attained are expected in the Rwanda’s 2020 vision and consequently everyone is happy for their achievement. In collaboration with its partners, SFB is ready and willing to continue to train many more women as a way of empowering them with differnt skills that can help them improve not only their lives but also the lives of others in the country at large.