Hyundai Motor and Plan International Rwanda launched a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre in Rubona Sector, Rwamagana District on Monday.

The centre worth Rwf200m will help empower the youth with skills and entrepreneural capacity to make them competitive in the global job market.

Plan Rwanda Country Director Peter Van Dommelen said the centre will help solve the plight of  75 per cent unschooled youth with no professional training.

He said the centre was part of Plan International programme to give youth economic security.

"This centre will accommodate about 90 youths with focus on those with disabilities. Girls, in particular, will be given priority because they are the most affected with limited access to opportunities for economic development,” he said.

Jihoon An, the Deputy General Manager of Hyundai Africa, said they plan to enrol more girls than boys.

He said the centre will go a long way in contributing to national economic development.

"Rwanda’s development and poverty reduction strategy has identified income generation, as a key element to poverty reduction,” he said, adding that the centre will help achieve the objective.

Jihoon noted that an education system that helps people create jobs is critical for a country like Rwanda that seeks to develop fast.

"We also faced a challenge of limited resources in South Korea but we trained a lot and gained high level skills. We now produce almost everything ranging from vehicles to modern ships. Rwanda can do the same with the emerging TVETs,” he said.

There has been significant increase in the number of students in TVETs, which officials attribute to the growing public awareness about the importance of embracing vocational courses.

Nehemie Uwimana, Rwamagana District mayor who presided over the function, commended Hyundai and Plan International for their role in improving community livelihoods.

He noted that the mindset of the  public towards TVETs had changed significantly, adding that TVETs were not for failures.

"Having such a modern centre in this district is a step forward in community development. The graduates will be able to create jobs for themselves and others. This is the whole essence of TVETs. We shall continue to promote education based on these skills,” he said.