The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has transferred ownership of RZ Manna, an up market confectionary shop, to Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC) Kigali.

The signing for the handover was done Wednesday at the RZ Manna Shop in Gishushu.

The transfer is envisaged to not only boost the productivity of the shop, but also to serve as a training ground for IPRC students pursuing hospitality related courses.

Established in 2011 through a $900,000 grant from KOICA, the local bread and pastry house made its debut in the local services sector when RZ Manna officially opened as a both a coffee shop and modern bakery.

It was set up by nine Korean partners with the support of KOICA and Handgong Global University of Korea with the aim to empower the local population.

Speaking at the event, Hyeong-Lae Cho the Country Director for KOICA said that the transfer of the project to IPRC Kigali is another sincere act of cooperation that exists between Korea and Rwanda.

"The project is building on the existing efforts and contributing to Rwanda’s medium and long-term development plans which mainly focus on promoting human resource development as well as vocational education and training.” he said.

"The transfer of RZ Manna is another step not only in boosting social and economic development in the country, but also vocational education. This is being done through transferring technology and quality service to IPRC Kigali thereby giving opportunity to students to acquire various sets of skills.” he added.

Also speaking at the handover ceremony Diogene Mulindahabi the Principle of IPRC Kigali expressed gratitude at IPRC being the institution chosen to own and run RZ Manna shop. He highlighted that RZ Manna incorporates the aspect of training which are paramount for an institution that promotes TVET courses.

"IPRC is an institution concerned with skills development and we encourage people to become job creators. This makes the concept of entrepreneurship very important.  One cannot teach entrepreneurship effectively without grounds where people can practice those skills and this is why RZ Manna is a great asset for the institution.” he said.

"We as IPRC Kigali will put in more effort, impact practical skills and development in the students and see to it that we encourage not only business growth but also social development for the community as well of the RZ Manna project.” he said.

In his remarks at the event the guest of honor Gerome Gasana, the Director General of Workforce Development Authority challenged IPRC Kigali to build on the reputation and achievements that RZ Manna has already registered to date.

"This is indeed a new dimension of partnership. We are accustomed to partnerships that include 2-5 storey buildings but this partnership entails people to people thereby encouraging transfer of knowledge. This is upgrading the TVET sector as on top of skills development there is creation of jobs.” he said.

"As the TVET family we want to continue to empower Rwandans and continue to transfer knowledge either from Korea to Rwanda or from Rwanda to Korea.

Inevitably, he said, this will contribute to the development of Rwanda’s economy as more and more people are empowered with skills and opportunities to start ventures and create jobs.

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