Kigali, May 10, 2024 – In a significant milestone for Rwanda's vocational education, 230 young Rwandans graduated from a nine-month Industrial-Based Training program in culinary arts, food and beverage operations, housekeeping, front office, and tourism operations. The program, initiated by the Government of Rwanda through the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), aims to enhance skills and secure employment for the youth.

The graduation ceremony, held in the City of Kigali, marked the successful completion of the program, which is part of the Ubukerarugendo Imbere Project. This project, a collaboration between the Government of Rwanda and the European Union, focuses on private sector development by improving service delivery in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

During the ceremony, Dipl. Ing. Paul Umukunzi, the Director General of the Rwanda TVET Board, emphasized the program's impact on employment. “Our goal is to secure jobs for our youth. We congratulate those who have already been employed and encourage others to continue striving for job opportunities. This program is designed to elevate service delivery to international standards and equip our youth with skills that facilitate quick employment,” he said.

He also announced that another cohort of 250 young Rwandans has begun similar training. “We aim to eradicate unemployment among our youth by continuously expanding this initiative,” Umukunzi added.

Rose Baguma, Director General of Education Policy and Analysis at the Ministry of Education, reiterated the government's commitment to supporting workplace learning and youth empowerment. “To the graduates, this is your time. Go out there, make a difference, and put your skills into practice,” she urged.

The program's success is reflected in the 60% employment rate among the graduates, who were hosted in various hotels and tour companies across the country. The initiative, supported by the European Union, aims to continue fostering skill development in the tourism and hospitality sectors, with plans to expand to other sectors in the future.

Zakaria Sbitri, Team Leader for Education, Digitalization, Health, and Cities at the EU in Rwanda, praised the graduates’ dedication. “Your commitment to this program is not only commendable but pivotal for the tourism and hospitality sector,” he said.

As Rwanda continues to develop its tourism industry, the RTB's efforts in providing industrial-based training are proving essential in creating a skilled workforce ready to meet international standards and reduce youth unemployment.