Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) has launched a Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) school as part of its reintegration process for ex-combatants within the community.

Mutobo TVET School will help the commission integrate ex-combatants in the community by equipping them with skills in various fields like masonry, welding, tailoring, and automobile, among others, and will be open to civilians too.

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Speaking to the media on February 23, RDRC chairperson, Valerie Nyirahabineza, said, "Rwanda continues to facilitate the reintegration of repatriated ex-combatants and their families as one of the sustainable peace and security solutions in the region,” adding, "Delivering technical skills to the ex-combatants will help in transforming their lives so that they, in turn, contribute to the country’s social-economic transformation.”

During the official inauguration of Mutobo TVET School, Claudette Irere, Minister of State in charge of ICT and TVET, unveiled that the government plans to support the commission in expanding the school’s buildings, equipment, and teaching staff to make sure it serves other communities in Musanze, Nyabihu or any other neighbouring district, thus, becoming a source of reintegration, locally and internally.

"It’s a benefit to not only ex-combatants but also the nearby community. We believe that even people from other countries will be welcomed here,” she said.

Presently, over Rwf 800 million has been used for buildings but Nyirahabineza said a lot of things need to be done for more upgrading.

Official data by RDRC since 2001 shows that Rwanda has demobilised and reintegrated over 70,000 ex-armed groups, and supported the reintegration of 13,000 dependents.

A total of 83,000 have been reintegrated into their communities, with each person getting a support package and toolkit to apply the vocational skills gained at the centre.