WHEN SHE WAS called out as best female performer and handed an appointment letter during graduation on Thursday, Alice Benihirwe could not hold back her tears.

Benihirwe, 24, was one of the over 500 students who graduated from Tumba College of Technology in Rulindo District with diplomas in various disciplines.

She graduated in information and communication technology.

Benihirwe was offered a job in the ICT department of Manumetal Company Ltd, a furniture manufacturing firm.

"I am overwhelmed with joy at being offered a job while still wearing the gown. It is a surprise,” she said.

Benihirwe hails from Gatsibo District and attended secondary school in Karongi District where she did Computer Science.

Meanwhile, other graduates who spoke to The New Times said they were happy to leave the campus with hands-on skills that they will use to either look for jobs or create their own.

"I am delighted that I completed a long journey of studies, though studying has no end, I have at least acquired necessary practical and theoretical skills that will enable me perform well when employed by others or if I employ myself,” said Elie Habakubaho, who graduated with a diploma in Electronics and Telecommunication.

Eng. Pascal Gatabazi, the college principal, urged graduates to use the skills to develop themselves and the country as a whole.

He said the college is ready to produce qualified graduates who will contribute to the envisaged target of having the Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme drive the country’s effort to create at least 200,000 off farm jobs every year.

"It is easy to imagine a vast horizon in front of you, the college is not life but it is the path of a better life, we have no doubt you have acquired enough skills, it makes sense to trust that your skills will contribute towards economic development,” he said.

John Bonds Bideri, the board chair of Workforce Development Authority, urged the graduates to join the labour market and help government build its economic development through solving problems the country is facing in energy, ICT and telecommunication, among others.