Graduates of information and communication technology from Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions will soon be better equipped for employment following an agreement between the government and Oracle Corporation, an American multinational computer technology firm, to harness the development of skilled ICT workforce. 

The agreement, signed in Kigali, yesterday, by the Ministry of Education through the Workforce Development Authority (WDA), will see the firm support government to achieve Vision 2020 goals on human resource development and ICT.

Oracle will establish learning centres across the country as well as provide software, curriculum, technology and certification resources to students from different colleges.

Albert Nsengiyumva the minister of state in charge of TVET, said the collaboration with the American corporation was an opportunity to widen the scope of technology in Rwanda’s education sector.

"We believe that transferring oracle technology to TVET schools and other related sectors will play a big role in national development,” he said.

The minister observed that WDA had directed its focus on policies and strategies that are in line with the government targets.

‘Plausible to bring in private sector’

Speaking after the signing, Janus Naklicki, the corporation’s vice-president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, hailed the efforts of the government to welcome and work hand-in-hand with the private sector to ensure that the sought-after skills are created and developed.

"ICT skills are fundamental to overall economic development and as the world becomes more reliant on technology so does the demand for a rich pool of IT talent increases,” Naklicki said.

He said their partnership with Rwanda had been informed by the country’s welcoming attitude to international private sector who would contribute to national development.

WDA Director-General Jerome Gasana said they intend to have at least 500 students graduate from the programme in the next four years with high level skills in technology – who will be a positive addition toward the nation’s ambition of a knowledge-based economy.

In the recent past, the Ministry of Education has been forging cooperation frameworks with the private sector, both locally and around the world, with the goal of increasing the quality and accessibility of education.

Last year, the ministry signed a deal that will see Latin America-based Multinational Postivo BGH establish a manufacturing plant in the country in the course of the year to produce laptops and other gadgets.

The ministry also inked a deal with Microsoft to transform learning, further innovation and develop employment skills among students and educators in the country.

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