The world of vocational training

EASTERN PROVINCE RWAMAGANA — Called the only skills-development school in the district and a “blessing,” Rwamagana residents have praised Nsinda Vocational Training centre, which has been a strong motivator in the area. The centre is considered to be instrumental in providing training to youths in Eastern Province, especially school dropouts. It was built under the sponsorship of Children’s Care and Protection in Rwanda (CCPRWA) in 1998. Jean Bagabo, a Rwamagana resident says the institute is directly responsible for the employment levels in the area.“Had it not been for Nsinda Vocational Training Centre most of the dropout in the area could be on streets.” The centre’s director of development, Neil Jennings says many children fail to access basic education, and thus resort often to a life of crime. The Vocational Training Centre has tried to fix this. “The centre currently supports 46 students undertaking a one-year course in three vocational subjects; tailoring, masonry and vehicle mechanics. They also study English and mathematics,” Jennings said. But there are problems. The school still awaits government accreditation in order to increase the number of its students. Jennings said the school looks forward to recruiting 100 students in its next academic year and the length of the courses will also increase to two years. He explained that the school aims at advancing training in each of its subjects and vastly improve students’ chances of obtaining jobs. Executive Director Hodali Biraboneye says the centre is in the final stages of its plan to expand, but more equipment was still needed. Ends