FEATURED: KCB Bank Rwanda, University of Kigali sign internship deal

KCB Bank Rwanda Plc this week signed an agreement with University of Kigali to offer internship placements to their students in different departments. They include students offering finance, law, ICT, marketing, among other courses. The internship programme was launched at University of Kigali on June 18. According to Mary Elizabeth Atuhaire, the Learning and Development Manager, KCB Bank Rwanda, the internship programme aims at imparting practical and leadership skills, emotional intelligence and most importantly offering crucial experience and opening doors for possible employment. “We are devoted to developing inclusive programmes and products to support our youth and community to prosper and thrive,” said Albert Akimanzi, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication at KCB Bank Rwanda Plc. He noted that the internship scheme is part of KCB Bank’s corporate social responsibility under which they contribute toward national capacity building by exposing students to broader national and international economic issues yet shaping their self-confidence. University of Kigali and KCB Bank staff pose for a group photo after signing the MoU. The Vice Chancellor of University of Kigali, Prof. Abraham K. Waithima, said the varsity was ready to work closely with KCB Bank and extended his gratitude to the bank’s proposal of giving a chance to students to get hands-on training. He explained that the partnership is a long-term opportunity that will lend a hand in supporting UoK students in accomplishing their academic requirements. Speaking a panel discussion, some of the KCB Bank staff urged students to always get themselves updated about banking, beyond what they learn in school. The panel engaged the students on career guidance, current trends in the digital space, as well as crafting and constructing a personal brand. The bank also partnered with the National Youth Council to offer scholarships for vocational training, with 100 students sponsored last year and 200 this year under a scheme, dubbed ‘KCB Igire Program’. Some students also asked how they can start up their own jobs and employ other people, instead of becoming job-seekers. They were encouraged to take part in the “KCB Igire Program’ as gives students an opportunity to acquire entrepreneurial skills. The trainees also present business projects and at the end of the programme, the best projects are awarded start-up funds. Waithima said the partnership will equip students with practical and professional skills which will prepare them for the labour market. “As University of Kigali, we have noticed that language can be a challenge yet English is a mode of communication, especially in business, we have decided to finance English learning so that by the time students graduate, they are well conversant with the language, can express themselves, write reports, execute assignments, presentations,” he stated. However, Waithima noted that such internship opportunities and programmes help give feedback to the University on areas they need to improve on their curriculum. KCB Bank Rwanda says it also plans to partner with several other universities around the country, with a focus on the youth segment. editor@newtimesrwanda.com

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FEATURED: KCB Bank Rwanda, University of Kigali sign internship deal