Huye District Mayor commends Salesians for promoting technical and vocational education
By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU
Students and teachers at Don Bosco Rango TVET School have confirmed that the newly acquired modern equipment and the new school building (five classrooms and an office block) provided by Don Bosco Tech Africa, are going to help them improve their skills and accelerate vocational courses compared to the time they used to spend during the practice time.
This was revealed after the blessing of the school building and equipment for students of Culinary Arts and Hairdressing Departments at Don Bosco Rango TVET school.
Niyonzima Lambert, a student in the Department of Culinary Arts, said, “First of all, the kitchen materials that we are receiving are new and are going to help us gain skills in the use of the modern equipment, among others”
Clarisse Mukahirwa, a student at the Department of Culinary Arts, also said, “The new materials we have received will help us a lot in learning. For instance, now we have a cutting machine while we are preparing meals, it would be easier for us to finish the job sooner, and what we are doing would be cleaner because those ingredients would be more reliable since we will be using clean equipment.”
The building and modern equipment are funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development which availed fund to Don Bosco Mondo and the latter channelled it to Don Bosco Tech Africa as a coordinating Institution of the Salesian TVETs Centres in Africa and Madagascar.
The fact that students at Don Bosco Rango TVET School have access to modern infrastructure and facilities is something to be proud of as they are in line with the Government of Rwanda’s Program for the Development of technical and Vocational Education, according to the Mayor of Huye District where Don Bosco Rango TVET School is located.
Sebutege Ange, the Mayor of Huye District, said: “I would like to thank you for your invitation in this blessing event, and first of all help me to thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda for the promotion of vocational and technical education in our country. I will explain why.”
“The Government of Rwanda, in its 7-year Development Program, has prioritized the development of practical skills,” Sebutege said.
“In particular, there are two objectives, namely that 60% of young people in Rwanda are enrolled in professional education so that they can make a living and get a job. But there is also the fact that at least every sector in the country has a vocational school. Those are the two goals” He added
“so, I would like to thank Don Bosco Tech Africa for helping us, especially in Huye District, but specifically in Tumba sector because both of you (Salesians of Don Bosco and Tumba sector) are well achieving the two goals together” Says, Huye District Mayor as he was addressing participants during the blessing of the New building and equipment which took place on 30th March, 2021 at Don Bosco Rango TVET School.
In addition, Vocational and technical Education is the main focus of the Salesians of Don Bosco as they find it a source of future development for the youth.
The Provincial superior of the Salesians in the Africa of the Great Lakes Province, Father Pierre Celestin Ngoboka, addressed the youth of Don Bosco Rango TVET School, saying, “This time here, as a youth, do not waste it. Study and plan for a better tomorrow so that everyone you meet will say, “These young people have been educated in a good school.”
“So that’s what we want and I hope that God will help you to be the upright youth that Rwanda deserves” he said.
In his address, the Executive Director of Don Bosco Tech Africa said that all the activities of the Salesians are aimed at improving the well-being of the youth through education and job creation.
Father George Tharaniyil said “While I was speaking to the Mayor, he said that the Government of Rwanda has put in place various youth programs. The government wants about 60% of young people to take vocational courses. Now that the work we have done here, the buildings we have built here, the materials we have purchased, are essential to support the Government’s move.”
“I also hope that the Government has a plan to create more jobs.” Father Tharaniyil added
In a message to the youth, Father Tharaniyil said “So, now you have a big role to play in building your life. We, the Salesians, are here for you. Don Bosco Tech Africa’s goal is to strive for better life and better jobs for young people.”
