Don Bosco Muhazi Celebrates St. John Bosco’s Day with Joyous Graduation Ceremony

January 30, 2026, was a day of great joy for Don Bosco Muhazi as students, educators, local authorities, and parents gathered to celebrate the feast day of Saint John Bosco, which is ordinarily celebrated on January 31st each year. The event was moved forward because a national community work (Umuganda) activity, attended by all Rwandans, was scheduled for the original date.

The celebration was well-organized and saw impressive attendance compared to the previous two years. Upon arrival at Muhazi, guests were greeted with the sound of the Rwandan drum, immediately signaling a special day.

The festivities began with a Holy Mass led by Father Frederic Murindangabo, the Director of Don Bosco Muhazi and Provincial Vicar, together with the Parish Priest of Gishaka. During the Mass, the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation were administered.

Following the Mass, the main celebration included traditional dances,  a play, and the presentation of certificates to students who had completed vocational and technical training (TVET) at Don Bosco Muhazi. Graduates completed studies in Masonry, Culinary Arts, Tailoring, and also short-term courses lasting six months offered through the “Gender Matters for Green TVET” project, which supports young women, particularly those who became young mothers and faced various challenges.

All the graduates confirmed the value of receiving a certificate that proves their competence, with a large number of them stating that they have already begun to improve their lives through the skills acquired at Don Bosco Muhazi.

NIWEWERA Illuminée, a graduate of the Tailoring course who spent two years at the center, expressed that she has started to become self-reliant, especially after being given a sewing machine, which was a reward for her and other high-achieving students. She said, “We have now started to improve our lives thanks to the knowledge we gained from this center, especially since those who performed well were given sewing machines to help us start working.” She went on to thank the leadership of Don Bosco Muhazi and those who supported her education, urging her peers not to waste this opportunity.

Ishimwe Liliane, who also received her certificate that day, affirmed that it was a day of immense joy for her, as it coincided with the celebration of their patron saint’s day and marked the culmination of her hard work and dedication to her studies. She believes the certificate will help her improve her family’s welfare. “Now we are going to work hard, because we have proof that we fully understand what we are going to do. We are very happy today,” she shared.

NDAYISHIMIYE Israel highlighted the day’s significance in his life, stating that the certificate he was receiving was a major step that would help him secure employment opportunities. He said, “Today, we receive our certificates, and tomorrow, we start getting jobs, whether in agriculture or livestock farming.”

On the other hand, parents also praised the many initiatives undertaken for the youth to help them become self-sufficient. MUKANKUBANA Salaphine, one of the parents whose child graduated from the center, expressed her joy after her child were given a sewing machine and begin to earn a living. “It makes me so happy, my child was given a machine and has started sewing now,” she remarked.

MUNYARUGERERO Charles, who represents the Parents’ Committee at Don Bosco Muhazi, confirmed that the center has played a major role in improving the well-being of the community, especially the youth, by helping them create jobs and become self-reliant. He stated, “Today, we celebrate the development of this center and the significant role it continues to play in the lives of the residents. Some of the children who study here support themselves, and some even provide for their families.” He added that the opportunities provided should be leveraged for overall development.

The representative of the Gikomero Sector praised the Salesians’ contribution to the development of the youth and the country as a whole. They also encouraged the youth to capitalize on the knowledge they received, including embracing modern technology, as it is accelerating the country’s development. “I wholeheartedly thank the management of this center for the opportunities they have given the citizens, especially the youth. The knowledge gained here will help them improve their lives and become useful members of the Rwandan society,” He said.

The celebrations concluded with a shared meal and the cutting of a cake to commemorate the good works that Saint John Bosco performs for young people, particularly those from vulnerable families.