17, 000 to sit TVET exams

Technical and vocational students are set to sit exams under the new TVET curriculum that is now under the jurisdiction of the Workforce Development Authorities (WDA). Established in 2009, WDA is in charge of regulating, promoting and guiding the implementation of TVET system, which covers vocational schools, technical schools and polytechnics. Previously, students in these institutions sat examinations set by the Rwanda National Examination Council (RNEC) at the Senior Six level, which were theoretical in nature. Speaking to The New Times yesterday, the Director General of WDA, Jerome Gasana, said that the examinations would be carried out under the new curricula. He, however, stated that when conducting the national examinations, WDA would seek support from RNEC. A total of 17, 820 students are expected to sit for the examinations slated to kick-off on August 29. Among these, 1,361 are private candidates. According to the Deputy Director General in charge of Training at WDA, Irenee Nsengiyumva, the examinations would be conducted in two phases; the first would involve practical exams that are set to be completed on September 9, while theoretical examinations would be conducted from November 2 to 8. “Practical exams will be conducted at 84 centres around the country to cover 22 technical trades,” Nsengiyumva said. The government through WDA has embarked on providing a strategic response to the skills development challenges facing the country across all sectors of the economy through the TVET system. Ends