For the last two weeks, a team of women ‘role models’ working in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) have been encouraging female students to enrol for technical and vocational training.

The girls used a common platform to persuade their peers into TVET.

The effort is part of Workforce Development Authority’s (WDA) broader campaign to increase the number of girls joining TVET programme.

In Karongi District, last weekend, the role models spoke with one voice about the importance of TVET in addressing unemployment and poverty eradication.

The team of 12 girls showcased their acquired skills, rallying girls to join TVET.

Liliane Uwabyaye, an instructor from Tumba College of Technology in Alternative Energy, said girls with technical skills are key to country’s development.

Ania Iragena, a third year Civil Engineering and Construction Technology student at IPRC-East, displayed painting skills, challenging girls to change their mindset.

"Girls with technical skills work with confidence, and are creative,” Iragena said.

Christina Mukeshimana, from IPRC-West showcased her electricity project.

"Today’s world depends on technical skills. A girl who is a technician transforms her society and her family life. She proves that girls are not limited to particular tasks,” she said.

Robert Mukiza, the director of education in Karongi District, said technical and vocational education and training schools are instrumental in shaping people’s skills.

"They also transform society’s mindset and to discard the traditional stereotypes that designated no-go areas for girls,” he said.

Girls and parents speak out

Pascaline Tuyishime, 16, from Karongi, said the TVET campaign inspired her.

"I dropped out of school last year. This campaign has raised my hopes as well as for my unemployed colleagues, that a girl is just as capable of doing what a boy does,” Tuyishime said.

Ildephonse Kagemana, a parent, said lack of technical skills and a negative mindset hamper development.

Edisa Rukundo, 14, said the number of girls in technical schools remains low because of families' poor mentality.

"Some families still undermine girls’ ability in society. We need more such awareness campaigns,” said Rukundo.

The drive was launched on November 31 in collaboration with the Dutch agency for international cooperation in higher education.

It is part of broader efforts to encourage girls to join science, technology and mathematics (STEM) related trades.

The campaign, due to end today, run under the theme "Girls are capable of technical and vocational professions.”

The entire campaign involved a 12-day road trip involving a team of female role models working in TVET, who were coached in collaboration with Gender Focal Points (GFP) associated with Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRCs).

The ‘role models’ engaged with girls, parents and other Rwandans, sensitising them about the importance of enrolling girls in technical and vocational education and training.

They made stopovers in the districts of Muhanga, Huye, Nyamagabe, Musanze, Gicumbi, Rubavu, Karongi, Rusizi, Rwamagana, Ngoma, Nyagatare and Kicukiro.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw