Education experts are calling for urgent reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to address the widening gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
They emphasise the need to integrate hands-on training into curricula to better prepare students for the workforce, enabling them to apply their knowledge, solve real-world problems, and transition seamlessly into employment.
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Mediatrice Niyonsaba, a former teacher at Cyanika TVET School in Burera Sector, stressed the importance of practical exposure in TVET education. While access to textbooks has improved, she points out that the lack of hands-on training remains a significant challenge.
A graduate of Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) with a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Niyonsaba explains that although students learn the theoretical aspects of energy projects, such as the workings of the Ntaruka hydropower dam and electricity transmission, they often lack direct, hands-on experience.
"Books are no longer an issue in TVET schools, but the most pressing challenge is the lack of practical lessons. For instance, students are taught about hydroelectric dams and electricity transmission, but without hands-on exposure, it’s difficult for them to fully grasp the process,” she says.
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She adds that while the government is making efforts to improve TVET schools, students must actively embrace technical education, which plays a pivotal role in transforming lives and the national economy.
"Students specialising in electricity can start working immediately in their villages, installing electrical systems for households and earning between Rwf 7,000 and Rwf 10,000 per day. As they gain experience, they can advance to higher-paying roles, such as working with high-voltage transmission lines, where they can earn between Rwf 30,000 and Rwf 40,000 per day,” she notes.
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Limited industrial attachments
Emmanuel Bizimungu, a software development teacher at Mugombwa TVET School in Gisagara District, echoes Niyonsaba’s concerns regarding the scarcity of industrial attachments for students.
"In Gisagara, there are no local companies offering industrial attachments unless students travel to Huye town, where MTN is the only major option. As a result, many students end up in internships at stationery shops or hospitals, where their primary focus is obtaining signatures rather than gaining practical experience,” he says.
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Even in Kigali, where numerous software development firms operate, securing internships remains a challenge. Bizimungu calls for increased private sector involvement to provide TVET students with meaningful real-world training opportunities.
Dr. Bernard Bahati, Director General of the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA), admits that there is a need for specialised equipment and training materials in TVET schools to facilitate hands-on learning.
"TVET schools require specific resources that enable students to acquire practical skills. The government is actively working on sustainable solutions to address this challenge,” Dr. Bahati said.
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In response to these challenges, the government plans to implement a dual training program inspired by the successful Swiss model. Paul Umukunzi, Director General of the Rwanda TVET Board, explains that this approach will integrate classroom theory with hands-on skill development at partner companies.
"In countries like Switzerland and Germany, students enroll in companies before attending TVET schools. As a result, 90% of graduates secure jobs immediately after completing their studies. We are introducing this dual training program in partnership with the private sector, allowing students to gain experience in fields such as agro-processing, food production, carpentry, construction, and eco-tourism at local companies,” Umukunzi says.
Flora Mutezigaju, Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), stresses the importance of balancing theoretical instruction with practical training.
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"Practical training enhances critical thinking by providing real-world scenarios and hands-on experiences. This approach fosters adaptability, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the material, making learning more effective and applicable to real-life challenges,” she explains.