The technical education and vocational training industry is looking forward to promote ‘Made in Rwanda’ products during a week-long exhibition starting this Saturday at Gikondo expo grounds. 

Organised under the theme, "TVET: my skills, my future,” the third Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) expo is expected to attract at least 250 exhibitors from both local and international companies.

In a news briefing at the Ministry of Education headquarters on Monday, Albert Nsengiyumva, the state minister for TVET, said the exhibition would be an opportunity to promote TVET courses and products. "This in an opportunity for us to showcase our achievements, share lessons and raise visibility as the country

looks forward to increase TVET enrolment, which is aligned with employment,” Nsengiyumva said.

The minister said despite the several benefits from TVET, public mindset is still a challenge.

"We still have the problem of most parents thinking that those who go through general education end up being more successful and it is an opening to show them what comes from TVET,” he said.

Jerome Gasana, the director-general of Workforce Development Authority (WDA), said through several colleges sharing their achievements, local products would be promoted.

"Students in primary schools, secondary schools and other people from public institutions will be given a chance to exhibit their products, which will help in focusing on where to improve capacity in trying to promote locally-made products,” Gasana said.

‘Let’s support TVET activities’

Meanwhile, Gerald Mukuba Nkusi, the chief advisor at Private Sector Federation, urged the public to continue embracing TVET programmes as a way of fighting unemployment in the country.

"We need to discard the old mindset of looking for jobs but create them for others instead. This can be achieved through working together to identify the missing links,” Nkusi said.

Didier Munezero, the director of partnership building at WDA, said the best exhibitors would be recognised.

"Both private and public companies will be rewarded while three best exhibitors from each will be rewarded. From over 40 participating schools, we shall reward the best three,” Munezero said.

The exhibition will be followed by site visits to the Southern and Western provinces by ministry officials and development partners. There will also be a TVET symposium on October 6 and finally an African TVET conference on October 8 in Kigali.

The ‘TVET Week’ is supported by the Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Japan and South Korea.

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