Kwigira TVET in Kigabiro Sector, Rwamagana District, celebrated its 11th graduation ceremony on August 28, awarding certificates to 150 students who completed intensive training programmes in electricity, tailoring, and culinary arts. This year's cohort comprised 58 graduates in electricity, 52 in culinary arts, and 40 in tailoring in a comprehensive approach to technical education across multiple sectors. Lucien Niyoyita, a graduate in culinary arts, lives with a disability and now works with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. It was not easy for people like us to access schools in the past. We thank the Government of Rwanda for giving us the chance to acquire knowledge that helps us work and improve our lives, Niyoyita said. Hervé Dushimimana completed his electrical training course and received both a certificate and a starter toolkit to launch his professional career. We studied modern installations, and I plan to practise my skills professionally using the equipment I was given, Dushimimana said. As students, we used to notice serious mistakes in electrical work that could cause risks. I will share my knowledge with others and uphold the professional values instilled in us. Since its establishment, the institution has trained over 1,100 graduates across 11 years of operation. These alumni are now contributing to various sectors including construction, hospitality, garment-making, and electrical work, demonstrating the practical value of technical education. Sheikh Ambassador Saleh Habimana, chair of the Kwigira TVET board, expressed that every Rwandan should harbour the Rwandan dream, as they possess a remarkable nation. He stated that he is grateful to President Paul Kagame for the opportunity to cultivate numerous international friendships, which enabled the establishment of this school, and he emphasised the significance of empowering young people with technical skills. He said, Enrolling in TVET is costly, and a number of students miss out. We thank our partner MUSLIMEHELFEN Germany, who constructed and funded Kwigira TVET from 2014 they enabled 1,100 students to graduate over the years with a waiver on school fees, he noted. “We offer an inclusive approach to education, creating an environment where students with disabilities and those from various faith backgrounds; the needy, all can thrive, and excel in technical skills without worrying about school fees.” Looking towards the future, Kwigira TVET has ambitious expansion plans. The school has secured land in Munyiginya sector to construct a larger campus designed to accommodate up to 400 students. The expansion site, like the current campus, was donated to support the institution's educational mission. Sheikh Habimana revealed that the Islamic Development Bank in Saudi Arabia has pledged financial support for the expansion project signaling international confidence in the school's educational model. The institution's success has attracted regional attention. Atleast 70 delegates from 10 African countries – including Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zanzibar, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Boyswana, Madagascar and DRC – are scheduled to visit the school to study how development aid has been effectively utilised to strengthen vocational training programmes, the workshop will also be funded by Islamic Development Bank. From a district perspective, Rwamagana continues to prioritise technical education as a cornerstone of economic development. Richards Kagabo Rwamunono, Vice Mayor for Economic Development, on Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST) targets regarding technical skills, highlighted the district's commitment to increase the number of residents qualified with technical skills. In Rwamagana, technical skills are shaping livelihoods. Local artisans' workshops and even public monuments in town are the work of TVET graduates. We shall continue to support this sector to increase the number of skilled youth, Rwamunono said. Théoneste Bugingo, a Rwamagana resident of Bwiza cell, Kigabiro sector, and parent, shared how his son's electrical training has transformed their family's economic situation. He said, He already supports himself and we remind him to keep working professionally. We recommend him to clients, and notify him for opportunities.” The district now hosts 18 modern TVET schools, contributing significantly to the national objective of mainstreaming technical skills into the educational curriculum, and creating a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth, while the equipments for startup toolikits to students are worth Rwf 17 million.
