Every Saturday afternoon from 3 PM to 5 PM, the vibrant community of Gikondo, Kigali, comes alive with the energy and passion of aspiring models. As a model trainer at the Rwanda Modeling Academy, I have the privilege of guiding these future stars alongside my co-trainer Trevor. Our free classes are open to all, and whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced model, there is always something new to learn.
Welcoming New Faces and Building Confidence
Our day begins with anticipation as we prepare to welcome a diverse group of models. Some models are brand new to runway walking, others have some experience and are building their confidence. Then, there are those who are already skilled and just need a bit of guidance to perfect their walk. Language barriers are easy to handle with my colleague, Teacher Trevor, who speaks both Kinyarwanda and English. When I teach alone, I am very grateful to the models who translate my English for those who only speak Kinyarwanda, making sure everyone feels included and can succeed.
One of the most rewarding moments is seeing a new model take their first confident steps on the runway. Our goal is not just to teach them how to walk but to help them discover their unique rhythm and style. It is about building confidence from within, so each model can shine in their own way.
From Beginners to Future Stars
As the class progresses, we tailor our training to meet the needs of each model. Beginners learn the basics of posture, posing, and movement, while more advanced models receive personalised guidance to refine their technique. Our classes are designed to allow models to progress from beginner to intermediate and even advanced levels, all within the same supportive environment.
At Rwanda Modeling Academy, we are committed to creating opportunities for every model. We aim to organise at least two fashion shows a year, giving each model in our class the chance to shine on the runway without the pressure of a casting. This is especially important for those who have never had the opportunity to succeed in a model casting. It is our way of ensuring that all of our models, regardless of experience, have the chance to showcase their talent and gain the confidence they need to thrive in the industry.
We are incredibly proud of the models who have advanced from our classes to shine internationally. Their success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and strength of Rwandan talent. Seeing them represent Rwanda on the global stage fills us with pride and motivates us to continue pushing for excellence.
Discussing What Matters Most
As we wrap up our Saturday sessions, we dedicate time to discuss topics that matter most to our models. Whether it is about castings, agencies, social media, or any other aspect of their modeling journey, these discussions are a chance for our models to voice their concerns, ask questions, and learn from each other’s experiences. It is a space where they can gain insights and advice that go beyond the runway, helping them navigate the broader world of modeling with confidence.
As a non-profit organisation, we are dedicated to supporting our models without charging for our services. However, organising fashion shows and providing opportunities comes with its own set of challenges, especially financial ones. We are always grateful for any financial help that can assist us in making our fashion shows a reality. Every contribution helps us to continue to nurture talent, celebrate individuality, and help each model find their place in the world of fashion.
Training models is more than just a job; it is a passion. And with every model we train, we are not just shaping careers - we are building a community, one confident step at a time.
2 Comments