The government plans to expand technical and vocational training by developing courses that enhance skills needed by local industries, the Minister of Local Government, James Musoni, has said.

The minister said this while launching a Rwf190m Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) school in Kigabiro sector, Rwamagana district on Friday. The ceremony was attended by among others the Mufti of Rwanda as well as Odette Uwamariya, the governor Eastern Province.

The school was built by the Muslim community, locally called UMBRELA, with support from a German Muslim organisation, Muslimhelfen.

Musoni thanked the Muslim community for building the school, saying that it would improve employment prospects for the people, particularly the youth, and also address critical skills needed in economy development.

He said TVETs are expected to strengthen the overall national training system by developing courses that meet the needs of Rwanda’s industry, and enhance the employability and career mobility of Rwandans.

"The idea of establishing the TVTs was well conceived. We must thank the Muslim community and their sponsors. The school is in line with the government’s programme to empower the youth with skills that will develop the country,” he said.

TVETs have been an important component in the national policy to end poverty since 2008 when reforms in TVET were approved. 

The reforms saw the creation of the Workforce Development Authority (WDA) and the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centres (IPRCs) in the Ministry of Education to streamline a national TVET strategy and develop centres of expertise on a provincial level.

Musoni also pledged the government’s support to the school, adding that citizens would be helped to access a training system tailored to the needs of the labour market.

"Our TVETs will develop even further. It is very encouraging to see private organisations like this one coming with a very good school. It is also worth noting that the school will among many, benefit the vulnerable”.

Meanwhile, a number of needy people in the community have started benefiting from the school. The chairperson of a women cooperative in Nyagatare district said the UMBRELA has helped them construct a factory known as Nyagatare Maize Millers.

"We have moved a step forward in production due to the help from the organiszation. We are happy that our children will also get skills from the TVET,” said Saidat Murekatete, a member of the cooperative.