An expansion of the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) scholarship programme is set to benefit a total of 1,500 promising students from low-income families, aiming to provide access to technical education and enhance the quality of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes. Initiated in 2023 through a partnership between the Government of Rwanda and the German government through KFW Development Bank, the scholarship programme aims not only to offer opportunities, but also nurture talent, promote equality, and transform lives, as emphasised by RTB Director General, Paul Umukunzi. Umukunzi pointed out that the project targets a total of 4,000 students, with selected beneficiaries receiving support throughout the upper secondary technical education cycle (Levels 3 to 5). The number of beneficiaries has seen an increase from 218 during the pilot phase to 1,500 students currently. ALSO READ: Target of 60% TVET enrolment by 2024 achievable - RTB boss He revealed plans to expand further, with a projected target of 4,000 students, seeking to engage additional stakeholders to sustainably increase the programme’s reach beyond its current scope. Commenting on eligible candidates for the scholarship programme, Umukunzi said the beneficiaries are graduates who have completed Senior 3 with good academic performance, primarily from low-income households. Selection is based on national exam results, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government to identify eligible candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds. “The scholarship package encompasses various essentials, including school fees and insurance, provision of school materials, personal protective equipment, transportation assistance, and support for industrial attachments,” he added. ALSO READ: BK, Umuhuza to offer TVET scholarships to teen mothers Umukunzi added that it targets public and government-aided schools, focusing on three core sectors; productive agriculture and forestry, manufacturing, and transport and logistics. He urged school administrators and Senior 3 students to ensure the accurate completion of the School Data Management System (SDMS), a crucial step in the selection process. Meanwhile, the list of beneficiary schools also increased from 14 to 50 institutions, including ESTB Busogo, Kabutare TSS, Nelson Mandela TSS, Mpanda TSS, Gisovu TSS Giheke TSS, and ST Joseph Birambo TSS. Others include Muganza TSS, IPRC Karongi, IPRC Ngoma, Rubengera II TSS, HVP Gatagara TSS, Ecole Technique St Kizito Save, EFA Nyagahanga, EAV Rushashi, Father Ramon Kabuga TSS, ES Kinazi TSS, Mibirizi Saint Augustin TSS, Gatumba TSS, Kabona TSS, Rwaza TSS, Kayenzi TSS, Shangi TSS, Don Bosco Nyamagabe TSS, Kisaro TSS, Janja TSS, Ngarama TSS, and Bukure TSS. Cyumba TSS, EAV Ntendezi, Cyanika TSS, Bumba TSS Kinazi TSS, Kavumu TSS, Busasamana TSS, ES Bishyiga, Kibeho TSS, Nyamirama TSS, Rwabuye TSS, APENA TSS, Nyabikenke TSS, Kiyumba TSS, Kibihekane TSS, EAV Kivumu, Shonga TSS, Bigogwe TS, and Ecole Secondaire Technique de Gisenyi (ESTG) are also on the list.
