The Ministry of Education and Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) have signed a 3-year Cooperation Agreement to establish 5 Vocational Training Centers.

The centers will be located in the Western Province districts of Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Karongi, Ngororero and Rustiro. WDA and SwissContact, as respective implementing agencies signed an MOU for close collaboration.

The overall cost is approximately USD 10 Million for phase 1 that will last for three years.

A Market study was carried out to identify critical skills needed in each of the 5 Districts and the Western Province as a whole. The main areas include Masonry, Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, Carpentry , Agribusiness, Fishery and Hospitality (Cooks, Front Office, Housing keeping, Food and Beverage,..) 

The first phase will mainly focus on trades related to construction and hospitality at Vocational level and the training centers will work closely with the private sector in the region to develop Taylor made short term training in specific areas that can support youth employment at local level.

The Integrated Polytechnic Regional Center for the Western Province based in Karongi will be strengthened to supervise vocational and technical training in the region particularly the training of trainers and linking the training with local development plans together with the concerned Districts and the Private sector.

The 5 Centers are expected to start training by 15 January 2014.