Chantal Mukashema is a Huguka Dukore Akazi Kanoze graduate, locate in Nyabihu district, Karago sector. Chantal finished Work Ready Now & Be Your Own Boss (WRN&BYOB) trainings in April 2019, she learned about the trainings through youth authorities in her sector. “When I heard that there will be trainings on required skills to take on a job market or even creating our own jobs I knew I was meant to take those trainings especially that I had finished high school in Construction” says Chantal.
After the trainings, Chantal was inspired and determined to leave her comfort zone as she was doing small jobs in construction. She decided to start a new journey in Carpentry and welding. She currently works at Jenda in ‘agakiriro’ which is a large place where the main activity is woodworking and welding. “I am the girl among over a hundred other staff who work there. I used to feel like I could not do this but after WRN &BYOB trainings, I was no longer afraid to take this step. I even had support from friends and family which made my decision easier” says Chantal.
Among many lessons that WRN & BYOB trainings offer, Chantal was inspired by leadership and be your own boss lessons. “I was head girl at my school, leading is something that I am passionate about; I learned to be a good leader by listening to the ones you are leading and the lesson of be your own boss taught me how I can work on my dreams of having my own business” she says.
Among many lessons that WRN & BYOB trainings offer, Chantal was inspired by leadership and be your own boss lessons. “I was head girl at my school, leading is something that I am passionate about; I learned to be a good leader by listening to the ones you are leading and the lesson of be your own boss taught me how I can work on my dreams of having my own business” she says.
Chantal fixing a broken sofa
Exciting journey ahead...
She has been a professional woodworker for a year and she is excited where her journey will take her. She started a potato growing business where she has a land to cultivate potatoes then sell them. She also started poultry business, at this date she has 20 chickens. “My dreams are to keep expanding the agri-business and livestock. I was on a great track but due to the pandemic covid-19, I do not get enough work but I am hopeful things will get better soon” Chantal says.
She advises young people, especially young girls to be open to technical jobs that the confidence comes with time but they have to make the first step of accepting and believing in their capacity to do any job like anyone else.