Thirty-five massage therapists have graduated from a six-month industrial-based training programme at Ijabo Clinics Ltd, marking a shift toward professionalising massage therapy in Rwanda. The graduation ceremony on January 15 brought together trainees, trainers, and sector stakeholders, following a programme supported by the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) through the Skills Development Fund (SDF). Demand for massage services is rising across hotels, hospitals, fitness centres, wellness clinics, and salons. Yet, industry leaders say the sector has largely relied on informally trained practitioners, exposing clients to health risks due to limited understanding of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, ethics, and safety standards. “This programme responds directly to that gap,” said Dr Egide Kayonga, Managing Director of Ijabo Clinics and Principal of Ijabo School of Massage Therapy and Bodywork. The training adopted a competency-based, demand-led model aligned with national skills development priorities, combining classroom learning, hands-on practice, and workplace exposure. Core subjects included human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics, followed by massage therapy techniques ranging from basic to specialised modalities. Trainees also received instruction in entrepreneurship, business planning, and professional ethics. Graduates are now equipped to work in hospitals, clinics, hotels, spas, resorts, and wellness centres, including those serving pregnant women, children, and patients with chronic conditions. The programme specifically targets youth who are out of school, unemployed, or unable to access higher education, aiming to offer them both skills and sustainable livelihood opportunities. “The sector has been growing, but without structure. Many practitioners have no scientific knowledge of the human body or understanding of ethics, which can be dangerous for clients,” said Dr Kayonga, a medical practitioner with over 21 years of experience. For graduates like 23-year-old Cecil Benimana, the training has reshaped perceptions of the profession. “People think massage therapy is not professional or associate it with inappropriate behaviour, but that is not true. When you are trained, you work ethically and professionally,” she said, noting that the skills gained will improve employment prospects and gradually dispel misconceptions about the field. Egide Kwizera, 24, said the programme exposed students to multiple disciplines, including massage therapy and reflexology, preparing them for real-world practice. “We didn’t just learn one technique. We were trained in different areas, which has given me confidence to work with clients and handle diverse needs in the field,” he said. The school, established in July 2025, plans a new intake between February and early March, with capacity to train over 100 students. “It is about raising standards, protecting clients, and ensuring the growth of the wellness industry is matched by skilled, ethical professionals,” Dr Kayonga said. On the new intake, the school said registration is currently open for both new entrants and in-service practitioners seeking continuous professional development. The programmes are also designed to be inclusive, with financial support available for youth facing economic challenges, particularly those with visual or physical impairments. Emphasising gender balance in the sector, the school encouraged more women to apply alongside their male counterparts. Training is offered through flexible full-time and part-time options, including evening and weekend classes, to accommodate trainees with parallel work commitments. Beyond technical instruction, the curriculum integrates employability and entrepreneurship skills tailored to labour market demands and small business development in the wellness industry. For more info, please get in touch with us at the following address: KK 61 ST, Kigali International Airport Road Email: ijaboclinics@gmail.com Phone: 0787 921 473
