Rwamagana District is looking to tap into the skills acquired by graduates from Gishari Integrated Polytechnic (GIP) to achieve its target of creating thousands off-farm jobs.
Rwamagana District is looking to tap into the skills acquired by graduates from Gishari Integrated Polytechnic (GIP) to achieve its target of creating thousands off-farm jobs.
Abdul Karim Uwizeyimana, the Mayor of Rwamagana, said during a ceremony to conclude a three-week induction course for 435 fresh students on Friday.
He commended the contribution of the school, which is run by the Rwanda National Police, to the district’s development.
"The students of GIP have demonstrated high understanding of government policy…their excellent performance during the induction period speaks volumes. Their skills will help the district achieve its target of creating 5,500 jobs per year,” he said.
The function was attended by government officials, local leaders, residents among others.
Job creation is a priority that requires concerted efforts, according to the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sam Karemera, the Principal of Gishari Integrated Polytechnic.
"All we need are concerted efforts…we need a young generation of job creators. We have various training programmes that empower the youth to create jobs and our work has started to bear fruit,” he said.
"We aim at supporting the district and country in general in creation of off-farm jobs, where by our trainees go down to communities to disseminate the skills they acquired.”
Senior Superintendant Nicholas Kalisa, the in charge of academic affairs at GIP, said the school acquired new automotive kit that would facilitate its programmes.
The police officer, who is also a mechanical engineer, said students do not only learn theory, but also do practicals.
"We have modern facilities that give learners hands-on experience…it’s this background that allows them to create jobs.”
Meanwhile, students expressed enthusiasm to do mechanical engineering course.
Jean d’Amour Hagengimana told The New Times that he had an ambition to be a job creator.
"I hope to start my own garage after the three-year course,” he said.
Government targets to create 200,000 off-farm jobs each year to meet employment needs.