At the crack of dawn in Gatenga, the usual rhythm of city life began to stir.
But behind the quiet walls of Don Bosco Hospitality Center, a very different kind of game was kicking off, not with a rugby ball, but with bold ideas, open minds, and dreams that stretched beyond the pitch.
In a powerful fusion of sport and life preparation, 30 young men and women from the 1000 Hills Rugby traded their cleats for conversation and their training drills for career drills.
They were there for a single purpose: to prepare for the future, and to make sure it wasn’t left to chance.
This was the Job Readiness Workshop, hosted under the umbrella of the SESLA program, proudly supported by AFD, the International Olympic Committee, and Laureus Sport for Good.
But behind the quiet walls of Don Bosco Hospitality Center, a very different kind of game was kicking off, not with a rugby ball, but with bold ideas, open minds, and dreams that stretched beyond the pitch.
In a powerful fusion of sport and life preparation, 30 young men and women from the 1000 Hills Rugby traded their cleats for conversation and their training drills for career drills.
They were there for a single purpose: to prepare for the future, and to make sure it wasn’t left to chance.
This was the Job Readiness Workshop, hosted under the umbrella of the SESLA program, proudly supported by AFD, the International Olympic Committee, and Laureus Sport for Good.
Where Passion Meets Preparation
Over the course of the day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM participants explored more than career options.
They explored themselves.Facilitated by an expert and diverse team, including Mugabo Jimy, Managing Director of RQT and Director of Rugby at 1000 Hills; Jean Robert, Health Program Manager at AFD Rwanda; alongside 1000 Hills leaders Shema Serge and Nsengimana Jean D’Amour, the sessions offered both technical guidance and personal revelation.
The group discussed questions many had never been asked: What am I good at? What do I want to do? Where do I see myself in two years? How do I turn my rugby discipline into career confidence?They practiced writing CVs, crafting pitches, and even mock interviews.
They shared openly about their struggles, hopes, and ambitions.As facilitator Jean Robert put it:
“A rugby player is already job-ready.
You know how to commit, lead, adjust, and overcome. Now, you just need the right tools.”
They explored themselves.Facilitated by an expert and diverse team, including Mugabo Jimy, Managing Director of RQT and Director of Rugby at 1000 Hills; Jean Robert, Health Program Manager at AFD Rwanda; alongside 1000 Hills leaders Shema Serge and Nsengimana Jean D’Amour, the sessions offered both technical guidance and personal revelation.
The group discussed questions many had never been asked: What am I good at? What do I want to do? Where do I see myself in two years? How do I turn my rugby discipline into career confidence?They practiced writing CVs, crafting pitches, and even mock interviews.
They shared openly about their struggles, hopes, and ambitions.As facilitator Jean Robert put it:
“A rugby player is already job-ready.
You know how to commit, lead, adjust, and overcome. Now, you just need the right tools.”
Real Talk, Real Tools, Real Growth
Participants left with more than paper handouts, they walked away with:
• A clear personal pitch they could use for job interviews or networking
• An updated or first-time CV
• A list of action steps to take in the next two months
• Confidence to explore online learning tools like Coursera and Grow with Google
• A deeper connection to their peers and the purpose behind their journey
Amina, one of the few female athletes in attendance, summed it up beautifully:
“Today, I saw myself differently. I used to think rugby was all I had. Now I know it’s just the beginning.”
• A clear personal pitch they could use for job interviews or networking
• An updated or first-time CV
• A list of action steps to take in the next two months
• Confidence to explore online learning tools like Coursera and Grow with Google
• A deeper connection to their peers and the purpose behind their journey
Amina, one of the few female athletes in attendance, summed it up beautifully:
“Today, I saw myself differently. I used to think rugby was all I had. Now I know it’s just the beginning.”
What Happens Next?
This isn’t the end, it’s the kickoff.
Over the next eight weeks, 1000 Hills Rugby will support these young people in following through on their plans.
Whether that means sending applications, completing online courses, reaching out to mentors, or simply showing up confidently, they now know the direction.
And so do we.
Because this is what SESLA is really about: not just playing the game, but owning your future. Sport is the door. Readiness is the key
Over the next eight weeks, 1000 Hills Rugby will support these young people in following through on their plans.
Whether that means sending applications, completing online courses, reaching out to mentors, or simply showing up confidently, they now know the direction.
And so do we.
Because this is what SESLA is really about: not just playing the game, but owning your future. Sport is the door. Readiness is the key
With Gratitude
To our facilitators, volunteers, funders, and partners: thank you for making this possible.
To our youth: the field will always be there, but so will the world beyond it.Now lace up.
The next match is called life, and you’re ready.
To our youth: the field will always be there, but so will the world beyond it.Now lace up.
The next match is called life, and you’re ready.