Students training in hospitality management and tourism at Akilah Institute for women will acquire modern skills in the service sector, thanks to a new lab that was launched at the school main grounds in Kibagabaga last week.

The facility which is embedded with a restaurant, a bar and a hotel room setting has capacity to accommodate more than 30 students during a single training similar to real life experience in the hospitality industry.

Speaking during the launch, the Chief Academic Officer at the Institute Rick Daniels, pointed out that since employers want to hire skilled individuals, such a learning environment would enable many fit in the fast growing service sector.

"There is growing demand for a workforce but employers always want individuals with necessary skills. We worked hard to have this facility but at least we are sure our students will gain from this real-life learning experience for better skills,’ he said.

Daniels added that such modern skills are needed by female candidates to compete favorably with their male counterparts on the labour market.

"The more they practice, the more they will master the skills. Every human being should be given an opportunity to excel. Even our girls can do better when provided with better chances to exploit their skills,” he added.

While commending the institute for its role in grooming a skilled workforce for the hospitality industry, Beatrice Umutoni, the head of hospitality and tourism at the Work Force Development Authority noted that quality training should remain key in promoting Rwanda’s transition to a knowledge based economy.

"The hospitality industry is growing and is among the government priorities to ensure that there is similar growth in skills and knowledge. Institutions like these are therefore doing a great job in educating the service leaders of tomorrow,” she said. 

Meanwhile Allen Ingabire, a student at the institute expressed optimism about the new facility in promoting entrepreneurship skills.

"The previous laboratory lacked some of the materials we wanted.It is good to see that the new one has catered for everything. I know we shall come out with the best of training,” she said.

Many people from the service industry graced the event including representatives from Marriott Hotel, Century Park and Jumia Food.