Kigali - IOM is stepping up efforts to lessen community vulnerability to climate-related threats in Ngororero District, Rwanda, by enhancing community resilience to natural disasters and climate-related threats.

As part of a project: Strengthening Human Security by Enhancing Resilience to Natural Disasters and Climate-related Threats, IOM is this week (8-10/11) holding a training of trainers for 20 staff from Rwandan Skills Training Institutes to equip them with teaching skills and advanced training techniques for effective adult learning.

In collaboration with Ngororero District officials, 220 young people from vulnerable households will be trained in setting up a small business, or offered further training and job placements.

The young people will be equipped with skills in carpentry, welding, knitting, tailoring, mechanics, masonry, food processing and catering. To the best extent possible, each trainee will be matched with a course of their choice, depending on marketability of the trade, and availability of a trainer.

“We expect that this training will go a long way in opening up opportunities for the youth and lessen the challenges that communities face when disaster strikes and often times, livelihoods are affected and assets destroyed. This training will equip participants with skills to be able to effectively alleviate risks that result from natural disasters,” said Catherine Northing, IOM Rwanda Chief of Mission.

Ngororero District has suffered a wide range of natural hazards such as floods, landslides, drought, windstorms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, fires and epidemics.

Since 2010, IOM has provided similar skills training to returnees and other vulnerable groups across the country. The project is being implemented in close coordination with the Ministry for Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR) and local government. 

The project is being implemented under the ONE UN programme and is funded by the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS).

For further information please contact Eriko Nishimura at IOM Rwanda, Tel: +250 783 677 733, Email enishimura@iom.int