A total of 333 Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) soldiers completed a vocational training programme at Rwanda Polytechnic Huye College.
The graduates, comprising commissioned officers and other ranks, completed three-month training in different vocational fields, with a focus on acquiring practical competencies that can be applied in their military responsibilities and other areas of work.
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The graduation ceremony was held on Friday, November 6, and attended by Brig Gen Louis Kanobayire, RDF Chief of Military Training, Education and Doctrine.
Kanobayire told the graduates that the technical training intend to enable them to become more effective in carrying out their military duties while opening up opportunities for productive engagement beyond their service in the force.
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He emphasised that vocational skills were important in promoting self-reliance, particularly by equipping soldiers with practical knowledge they can use to earn a living and improve their livelihoods after retiring from military service.
He urged the graduates to make good use of the skills acquired, work harder and maintain high professional standards in their respective responsibilities, noting that their skills should contribute to strengthening the RDF.
Huye College Principal, Lt Col Dr Bernabe Twabagira, commended the graduates for their commitment throughout the training and encouraged them to translate their newly acquired skills into practical results.
He further urged them to uphold professionalism, dignity and teamwork as they put their training to use in serving the military and the country.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Lt Col Murenzi Rugeruza thanked the RDF leadership for facilitating their participation in the programme, saying the opportunity had equipped them with skills relevant to their personal and professional development.
He pledged that the graduates would apply what they had learned to strengthen the RDF and contribute to the country's wider development efforts.