“I was encouraged to go for my dreams and learnt a lot.”

On Friday 22 June 2018, UNHCR Rwanda supported the participation of 11 refugee models from Mahama Refugee Camp in the 8th Edition of the “Kigali Fashion Week” at Serena Hotel.

After a competitive modelling selection of more than 300 candidates, 40 Rwandan models were selected in addition to 11 Burundian refugees from Mahama. The models presented mostly designs from Rwanda. Designers from Uganda, Burundi, Nigeria and Democratic Republic of the Congo also participated in the event. The event showcased how Rwanda has developed on the modeling and fashion industry in the past years.

The participation of refugee models was one of the highlights of the event for its inclusiveness as mentioned in the local news media vehicle: “What made the event more entertaining was the inclusiveness of young models from Mahama refugee camp who were also among the most talented models to hit the runway.” Mahama models were very happy about the event and mentioned that it was a great experience as they managed to present clothes from two designers: a Rwandan and a Burundian.

Photos: ⓒ IGIHE / ⓒ The New Times

Looking back at this experience, refugee models were inspired and thrilled. Here are some takeaways.

“I looked at the nice designs made with different fabrics and knowledge used and learnt to differentiate the design and fabrics it matches with. I saw different fashion designs for this year and I understood every year has new fashions, I also saw that designs were made depending on the fashion and material. In the future, I wish to make clothes for models.” -Bernice

“I was encouraged to go for my dreams and learnt a lot. That made me strong in my modelling. My dream is to work hard and become an international model. In the future after I achieve my dreams, I wish to support people with same dreams to develop modelling in Africa and our countries of origin and also support vulnerable families. Thank you!” -Fabrice

“The experience I got from the Kigali fashion week, I have seen how others perform when they are on stage and I have enjoyed to be in the fashion week on that day and I believe that, thanks to UNHCR, our dream one day will become a reality. Thank you!” -Guy

“It was my first time to attend a fashion week and I learnt a lot from other models, I saw and learnt different designs made by different designers and I wish to be a designer myself in the future.” -Gisella

More information on the Kigali Fashion Week can be found here.

Reference in the media:

What you missed at Kigali Fashion Week 2018 in The New Times

Amafoto: Kigali Fashion Week 2018 yahaye amahirwe abakizamuka mu kumurika imideri on Umuseke.rw