Komera Graduates - A Year Later
A year later, our graduates are still reflecting on a time that carried both challenges and valuable lessons. We’ve followed up with several of our Komera scholars to hear how things were on graduation day and how things are going for them now.
It has been a year since 16 of our university scholars graduated from university! Like the rest of the graduates across the world, our scholars experienced an immense pressure caused by the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden halt of most school activities coupled with the new shift to the virtual world, made it both difficult to complete their studies, and almost impossible to land job opportunities. But our scholars have continued to show immense strength perseverance during these difficult times. While graduations are usually marked with excitement and anticipation for the future, most of the scholars were faced with the stress of transitioning which was amplified by the uncertainty that had become a reality for many around the world.
This is what our scholars shared with us after reflecting on their experiences graduating and finding employment.
Olivia, Studied Information Systems and Technology - Davis College Akilah
“Graduating during the pandemic was definitely challenging. Since schools were closed, it was hard to work on my final project with no access to resources such as the library or connecting with fellow classmates. I hardly got all the information I needed to finalize my research paper.”
Though clearly much harder than we would ever want for our scholars, we are so proud that she was able to complete her final research paper and graduate!
Valeria on graduation day
Olivia on graduation day
Valeria’s story echos the stories of many graduate in Rwanda and worldwide. What was historically a smooth transition was replaced by uncertainty and many pushbacks.
Valeria, Studied Economics - University of Rwanda
“The graduation date kept changing because COVID-19 was spreading so rapidly. Even after graduation, we waited for 7 months to receive our degree.”
In addition to dealing with the ups and downs of graduation, many students also face the realities of high unemployment rates brought on by the pandemic. With the current youth unemployment rate in Rwanda currently over 25% (according to a recent study by tradingeconomics.com), our new graduates are determined, now more than ever, to remain optimistic and make the most out of every resource that’s available to them!
Janvière with her degree
Janvière, Studied Hospitality and Management - IPRC Karongi
“Though the year was also full of confusion and we often asked ourselves how we could get connected to employment opportunities, my post-graduation journey is still full of ambitions. I want to get a job that will allow me to support my family, and my community. I believe I have relevant skills such as management and problem-solving skills that helped me to get my current job as a receptionist. I am excited about being able to apply the leadership skills that I acquired from my Komera family, as it helps me to work well with clients.”
Peninah at university
Consolee on graduation day
Consolée, Studied Education - Univeristy of Rwanda Rukara College of Education
“Graduating during a pandemic made me realize the role of technology in education. I did not attend the graduation ceremony in person but I was able to follow it on zoom. Although it reduced my expectations of a day I waited for, for so long; I was still able to graduate. My post graduation journey is exciting because I have qualifications that will help me to build a career.”
Peninah, Studied Hospitality and Management - IPRC Karongi
“During the pandemic, I created a small business selling clothes to mostly people in my community. The money I got from the business helped me and my family to get the basics during a time that was difficult. I also found a part time job that allowed me to be able to start my business. Now that things are slowly coming back to normal, I am excited about looking for opportunities, where I can apply the skills that I acquired.”
We are very proud of the drive and tenacity that these young women have demonstrated by not just successfully graduating from university during COVID-19, but by also rising above the socio-economic effects of the pandemic brought on.
Komera deeply believes in the key role that education plays in unlocking young women’s full potential. We are so inspired by their continued pursuit of their passions and career goals. As we continue to walk alongside our graduates through our holistic support programs, we cannot wait to see the future that they have started to build for themselves and their communities!