As business activities continue to thrive in Muhanga town, young people are increasingly turning to tailoring, a skill that is not only transforming their lives but also helping them work towards a better future.
In the Nyamabuye sector of Muhanga, several youth have emerged as skilled tailors, producing a variety of popular items such as clothes, bags, coats, trousers, dresses, and African wear. These locally made products have quickly gained popularity, contributing to the local market and improving the quality of service in the area.
Jean Baptiste Nsengiyumva, a local tailor in Muhanga, shared how he started his tailoring career from scratch. Over time, his work has earned him more and more clients, a sign of the growing demand for well-made garments in the region. According to Nsengiyumva, seeking solutions and constantly improving his skills have been key to his success.
“I began by simply adjusting my own clothes, but later, customers started coming. Now I have my own workshop, and I work together with two other people,” he said.
Coats, trousers, and dresses are among the garments tailored by Jean Baptiste Nsengiyumva.
Nsengiyumva, who has expanded his business and taken on apprentices, now also shares his knowledge of tailoring with other young people. His goal is to help them generate income from this skill, which he believes has the power to change lives.
One of his trainees, who learned tailoring under his guidance, spoke about the profound impact the skill has had on his life. He explained that tailoring has become his main source of livelihood and has opened up numerous opportunities for him.
“Tailoring has transformed my life. It provides for my daily needs and has opened many doors. I wouldn’t choose any other job besides this,” he said.
However, despite the progress they’ve made, young tailors in Muhanga still face several challenges. According to Nsengiyumva, one of the biggest obstacles they encounter is limited access to quality materials, many of which are difficult to find within the district. Additionally, many young tailors lack the skills to effectively market their products, which can hinder their ability to reach a wider audience.
Despite these challenges, the young tailors in Muhanga remain hopeful and determined to improve their craft, knowing that their skills are contributing not only to their own livelihoods but also to the local economy.
Author: Diane Izihirwe