The Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC) Kigali, on Friday, graduated 141 students after successfully completing one year courses in vocational training.They were awarded certificates in automobile, electrical installation, ICT, industrial installation and construction.Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Principal, Eng. Diogene Mulindahabi, called on female students to embrace vocational studies.“Out of 141 graduands, only 30 are female but they were among the best students, something that really proves that they are capable to compete with their male counterparts,” Mulindahabi said.He called for a change in people’s attitudes Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) programmes, adding that girls are as good as boys in technical and vocational skills.“Parents should know that TVET courses are the ideal when it comes to the labour market, they enable trainees to create their own jobs and be competitive out there,” he said.The graduates were optimistic about the future.“I have to look for employment to work and raise capital to start my own workshop so that I can become a boss of myself,” said Alex Muhirwe, an electrician.The Director of Vocational Training at IPRC, Augustine Uwimana, called on students to put in practice what they learnt.“Apart from the industrial training, upon completion, we also connect our students to various industries for work,” he said.Under the same course, IPRC has other 117 students under the evening programme and, according to Uwimana, this group will complete studies in April next year.
