The Republic of Korea plans to build a training centre for teachers and ICT innovation centre at the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC)-Kigali, both worth $9 million (about Rwf6 billion).

The former will be constructed at a cost of $5 million, while the latter will cost $4 million.

The Korean ambassador to Rwanda, Hwang Soon-taik, disclosed this yesterday at the opening of a one-week ‘ICT ron’ exhibition intended to enhance awareness of ICT through experience, education and vocation.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to maintaining good relations with Rwanda, Hwang said the expo would help inspire and educate students about the benefits of ICT.

Didier Nkurikiyimfura, director-general of ICT at the Ministry of Youth and ICT, said government efforts to promote ICT are bearing fruits in the key areas of economy such as agriculture, education, finance and health.

"We believe that this support will help Rwandan students to be able to surmount challenges in the job market. ICT skills are vital in the job market,” Nkurikiyimfura said.

Students’ ICT-based projects

At the expo, final-year students from IPRC Kigali’s ICT department exhibited online-based projects.

Clementine Umubyeyi and Sonia Kayitare presented the project named ‘Online Leave Management System’ that helps people seek leave in the workplaces through the Internet.

The two students, whose graduation is due February next year, said the project can simplify the process of asking for leave.

"With this software application, the process will be done online and it’s easier,” they said.

For the leave to be approved, all involved parties, including the replacement person, have to approve of what the employee seeking leave wants.

Désire Umukunzi and Ange Umuhoza showcased an application called ‘Umuganga Android App’ that they say will help in medical screening.

"People often waste life unknowingly. A person might indulge in smoking yet they are suffering from tuberculosis, which can worsen their health condition. People can get health advice following respective symptoms of diseases that are provided in this application,” they said.

Sixteen ICT-related companies and students, both from secondary schools and higher learning institutions, are among the participants in the exhibition that will close on October 21.

The Republic of Korea has funded the construction of ICT Centre at the University of Rwanda, Huye campus, and Rwanda-Korea Information Centre at IPRC Kigali, among other projects.

Hwanga said after the exhibition, 30 computers will be given to one or two secondary schools being supported by the embassy and some 3D printers will be given to the College of Science and Technology.

Korea Telecom, a Korean-based telecommunication firm, last year invested $140 million in ICT sector, especially to have a joint venture with the government to lay out a 4GLTE in the country.

It is expected that the company will open this 4GLTE next month for use by the public.

The envoy said Rwanda has put in place a conducive environment for ICT programmes.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw