P003 Technical school Rubengera

The challenge

In Rwanda is a major lack of well-trained carpenters, plumbers and metalworkers. Vocational education is still in its infancy and the demand for professionals in all kinds of fields is high. Especially now that Rwanda is experiencing rapid growth and craftsmen are in good use.

For many children, especially in rural areas – and therefore also for the orphans of Abaja ba Kristo – it is not easy to find a job after nine years of basic education. Providing good vocational training considerably increases the employment opportunities of many young people.

Response

Rubengera Technical Secondary School

The curriculum was developed in consultation with the Rwandan government and experts from Germany. The teachers are well trained. Meanwhile, the school is accredited by the government for a period of five years. With the help of Rabobank, a computer network was installed last year, which now enables students to make building plans with computer programs.

The German sister organization of the deaconesses started a vocational training woodworking for young people – both boys and girls. During this 3-year practical training the students are trained as carpenters and acquire a professional diploma recognized by the government. Besides professional knowledge and skills (knowledge of materials and tools, quality and safety, business management and attention for the environment) students also receive English lessons and a lot of attention is paid for personality development in which social and communication skills and respect for human dignity, cooperation and conflict management are high on the school agenda.

The school is very well regarded and delivers skilled people, who are very wanted by Rwandan companies. At the end of 2019, the fifth group of students took their final exams. In 2020 the school has 65 students, 13 girls and 42 boys. There could be many more students, but this requires overnight accommodation. For the girls, the dormitory is almost ready, but funds are still required to build the boys’ lodge.