MUHANGA-The German Technical Corporation (GIZ), Thursday, opened a new automobile mechanical centre of excellence at Kabgayi Technical School (ETEKA).

The centre, that will impart modern automobile skills to technical education teachers, will be run by German expert, Roland Herald.

GTZ also donated Rwf 5.5 million worth of automobile equipment during the inauguration event held at the school’s premises.

The event coincided with the graduation of 15 teachers from 11 technical schools countrywide who had completed a two-week training program.

The teachers received certificates in modern motor vehicle technology, computerised mechanics and electronic analysis of vehicle data.

A GTZ official, Assumani Hakizimana, said that the centre would improve teachers’ education and skills to churn out marketable students.

"The centre is the future of improved technical education; however the private sector should be involved to bridge the mechanical skills gap in schools and the public. Most garages are not aware of this new automobile technology," Hakizimana said.

The centre will also serve as a pilot project to disseminate modern auto-mechanical technology skills in the community.

The Director of Eteka School, Vital Muligo, said it would benefit over 428 students and increase the skills and market for their graduates.

"This is an opportunity to improve our education levels. We shall produce a labour force that is marketable and help the community to benefit from this new technology," Muligo said.

The trained teachers said they hoped to improve the education standards of their students with the new skills.

The centre was inaugurated by officials from GTZ, Technical Vocational Schools Association (TEVSA) and the Workforce Development Agency (WDA).

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