Last month, over 500 students were awarded diplomas in various disciplines after successfully completing their studies at Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre Kigali. Among them was Ange Divine Numukobwa, 24, who was recognised as the best female student.

She was awarded a Diploma in Civil Engineering. Numukobwa explains to Susan Babijja why she joined a vocational school and reveals her future plans. Below are the excepts;

You were announced the best female student during the recent graduation ceremony; what do you think enabled you to excel?

There are quite many things but determination and love for what I was studying were what inspired me most to work hard.

Why did you decide to go for Technical Vocational Education Training?

I realised there are many job opportunities in this field for us ladies so I decided to give it a shot.

Is it something that you had had in mind before or it was just the last resort?

No, It was not a last resort. I did it simply because I liked it right from my primary school.

Some girls consider joining TVET as being a failure. What do you have to say about this?

I think the reason why they say so is because they are not aware of the need for the youth especially girls to have hands-on-skills. 

If they get more information, they  might change their perception towards TVETs.

Briefly explain what it means to have such skills

What I want such girls and ladies to know is that things have changed to the extent that a TVET graduate in a developing economy is far better than a university graduate based on importance and contribution towards the economy’s development.

This is simply because developing economies are in need of youth who are capable of creating jobs rather than those seeking employment. These countries need people with the capacity to solve the challenges affecting the population in order to reduce dependence on expatriates.

Some women believe it’s such a hard task to take on TVET studies; tell us about your experience

Well, there is nothing that comes on a silver platter in this life, but it all comes back to people’s ambitions and determination. This is what drives and empowers us to overcome challenges to get to our destinations.

What do you want to become in this life?

I want to become one of the best female engineers in this country. Currently, I hold a diploma in Civil engineering and if all goes well, I will be going for further studies to make sure I achieve my dreams.