The Assumption Technical Centre at Nyange
1
The message of peace is not about a negotiated settlement but rather the conviction that the unity
brought by the Spirit can harmonize every diversity. It overcomes every conflict by creating a new
and promising synthesis. Diversity is a beautiful thing when it can constantly enter into a process of
reconciliation and seal a sort of cultural covenant resulting in a “reconciled diversity”. As the
bishops of the Congo have put it: “Our ethnic diversity is our wealth… It is only in unity, through
conversion of hearts and reconciliation, which we will be able to help our country to develop on all
levels”
The Joy of the Gospel” (n° 230) Pope Francis
After the genocide of
19994 the Sisters of the
Assumption returned to
Rwanda. At Nyange they
undertook an agricultural
project to assist young
people living in a poor
rural area, who were in
the least favourable position for finding employment.
The Sisters started with a small centre to teach
dressmaking, carpentry and agro –pasturage, since these
are possible careers for young people. This was a pilot
centre for the region which developed by degrees, and
since it was adaptable, it met evolving professional needs.
Since 2008 we have improved this project with its aim of
providing a framework for impoverished young people who
haven’t been able to study at Secondary level. Training
them at local level curbs the rural exodus by giving them
access to genuine work.
After the genocide Rwandan society was wounded, torn
apart and traumatised. Even today, families remain
disunited and there are many orphans and widows. A
certain air of vengeance and suspicion remain, in addition
to the poverty and the misery.
To change this situation, the Sisters of the Assumption
have, for many years, worked alongside and in
collaboration with other institutions and NGOs for the
promotion of justice, peace and reconciliation The
Technical Centre has evolved so that now we equip young
people in 4 trades: Dress making, Construction, Carpentry
and Welding. We are a team of educators consisting of
Sisters and Laity. Lay people are specialists in the 4 areas
and give the courses generously. We sisters share in
animating the Centre, in management and directing
Catechises.
Our presence in Nyange has given rise to group of friends
-“Assumption Together”- which sustains us and places our
Centre at the heart of village life.
Currently 150 young people, of whom 60% are boys and
40% girls, are in training, at different levels, each in their
chosen trade. At the end of the year they receive a
certificate which enables them to find employment. This is
of maximum importance to them, giving them joy since it
meets their desire for a better life and enables them to
support their families.
In addition to gaining a certificate, both young people and
their families appreciate the structure the Centre offers
with a solid, professional training and most of all its
Christian values which encourage them to live together in a
permanently difficult context -a situation which demands
pardon and the overcoming of hatred and suspicion by
confidence and solidarity,
All members of the educative community at Nyange live in
solidarity and commitment to work for justice.
With joy we live as the voice of the voiceless bringing a
witness of Faith and Ecumenism, since the Centre is open
to all.
Through this small educative project we experience
working with others which allows us to overcome fear and
other barriers, with the conviction that unity creates
strength.
We ourselves are transformed by this experience and are
impelled to go into the future carrying our stone for the
building of a Society which is more just and more
neighbourly.
Bukeye Agnès
Communauté de Nyange
Rwanda
Accueil du site Education Expériences Afrique > Rwanda, Nyange : Centre de métiers Assomption
1 http://www.assumpta.fr/Rwanda-Nyange-Centre-de-metiers.html