The newly established Community Technical College of Agriculture and Rural Development (CTC-ARD) in Kayonza district will formally begin operations next month.The institution is targeting 300 students in its initial enrolment for the 2012/2013 academic year.The proprietors of the college have invested Rwf300 million towards its establishment.The college will offer advanced diplomas (3 years), diplomas (2 years) and certificates (1 year to 6 months).Programmes that will be offered at CTC-ARD include crop production, agriculture, animal health, agriculture engineering and irrigation, rural technology, Business, IT and accounting, hotel management and tourism among others.Briefing journalists yesterday, Dr. Laurien Nyabienda, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CTC-ARD, said the institution was established to facilitate agricultural transformation from subsistence farming to market oriented agriculture."Our courses will dwell on supporting rural communities by enabling them to contribute economically through business development. We want to address gaps in technical skills in agricultural implementation,” he said.Nyabyenda added that the college will offer courses that will directly impact the rural population.He noted the facility was established in Kayonza, due to demand from the local population who want to enhance their skills in agriculture and rural development.Students wishing to enrol into the college should have a minimum education level of senior three to qualify for diploma and certificate courses.The tuition fees range from Rwf 130,000 to Rwf170,000 per semester depending on the course."Students who want to be accommodated by the school will part with Rwf 25,000 per month and the money includes all meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner,” "Basically the annual tuition fee will not go beyond Rwf 350, 000.”The college, that is supported by the United Kingdom’s Suffolk New College, World Vision and Kayonza District, was licensed by the Workforce Development Authority to start operations. "We shall concentrate on offering skills and knowledge that will bring solutions to Rwanda community environment,” said Prof. Philip Brierley, Rector of the college.Brierley stated that the institution will enable students to develop the culture of innovation and develop skills that will increase agriculture production in the country.