The number of girls enrolling in technical and vocational schools in the country is still low, the Minister of State in charge of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has said.Albert Nsengiyumva made the remarks on Sunday while officiating at the launch of Rubengera Technical Secondary School in Karongi District. The school, which was built by the religious congregation of Abaja ba Kristu, a protestant sisterhood that was founded in 1984 in the district, offers courses in carpentry and wood technology. "The future of this country lies in the capacity of these young people to sustain themselves,” Ngengiyumva said, adding that although  Rwanda has positioned itself as a country that champions and guarantees gender equality and equity in all domains, the number of girls pursuing technical and vocational education is still too low.There were no immediate national figures on the numbers of girls in technical and vocational schools, although girls make up only 25 per cent of the population at Rubengera Technical Secondary School.Plan underwayNgengiyumva, however, said the government has developed a plan to increase the number of girls mainly through community mobilisation to encourage girls to embrace technical and vocational education."The ministry will involve successful girls in the technical and vocational fields to mobilise others,” Nsengiyumva said. "We will also provide incentives to competitive girls to build their  confidence.” The school is set to become a model in carpentry and wood technology in the country, Minister Nsengiyumva said, calling upon area residents to seize the opportunity and improve their skills. He also called on residents to protect and safeguard the school infrastructure for the benefit of the entire community.Dative Mukamfizi, one of the parents whose children are enrolled at the facility, thanked the donors for their support, noting that the training is a strong foundation for the children’s future."Today I have hope that my girl will sustain herself and help her relatives. Vocational education has been her long time dream,” a Mukamfizi said. Government targets is to have at least 60 per cent of the total student population enrolled in technical and vocational schools by 2017. Currently, they constitute only 38 per cent.