Entertainment skills council established in Kigali

John Kennedy Mazimpaka, a renowned film actor and stage director with J.F.K entertainers, will chair the sector skills council whose core aim is capacity building and skills development. He will also engage stakeholders in film production and entertainment to suit the demands of the consumer. The council was formed during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Kigali on Thursday organised by the Rwanda Development Board, (RDB).Rwanda’s movie industry has been steadily growing over the years amidst challenges that range from lack of adequate skills in quality production and content. This is what prompted the formation of the council to address these challenges with support from government and development partners.Apollo Munanura, an official from RDB, said that the training of the media and filmmakers is in line with the government’s vision 2020 pillar II; “human resource development and knowledge based economy which aims at creating adequate skills base in the country to meet local, regional and international demands by 2020.’Munanura added that 75 per cent of the media content should be local and thus the initiative is to ensure that the local media content grows in volumes by 2015.Emmanuel Mugisha from the Media High Council cited the need for engaging the locals to identify the needs in the growth of this industry.“We need to identify what should be done to improve on content development, to suit the environment and also business growth and sustainability because this industry if properly groomed can largely contribute to our economy.” Mugisha explains.He called on all stake holders to get on board in empowering the film making, media, art and entertainment industry which he said was very crucial.The council is mandated to lead the drive to boost skills and workforce development as well as share labour market intelligence among othersThe Entertainment, Media and Arts sector skills council is comprised of the chairperson, secretary, technical advisors, higher learning institutions, TVET, students and employee representatives.

Leisure

Entertainment skills council established in Kigali