Construction of a new campus of Rwanda Coding Academy launched in Nyabihu District

By Kanamugire Emmanuel

The Government of Rwanda through Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) in collaboration with KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), has launched the construction of a new campus of Rwanda Coding Academy in Nyabihu District.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held in Nyabihu District this Wednesday, 15 May 2024 in the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Rwanda, KOICA Country Director, delegates from the Republic of Korea, RTB official among others.

The buildings are valued at Rwf6.2 billion and the will include modern facilities (Teaching Facilities and Boarding Facilities). The works are expected to be completed in 18 months.

“I also want to commit that on our side, we shall do all it requires to ensure that all the efforts currently being invested in TVET subsector will be used efficiently, with full accountability and hard work, to ensure that TVET remains one of the key drivers of the ongoing national economic transformation,” Eng. Paul Umukunzi, Director General, RTB, said.

“After establishment of this new campus, we expect RCA to become a very modern and competitive TVET Centre of Excellence in Software development, AI and related modern technologies. With this new infrastructure and, expected modern equipment, along with ongoing capacity development of RCA teaching staff, there’s no doubt that we shall achieve this dream very soon. We intend to invite you again in the next few months, as we shall be celebrating fruits of the seeds we are planting today,” he added.

KOICA in partnership with the government of Rwanda, operates three primary Country Programs (CP) encompassing ICT, Agriculture, and Education. RCA falls under both the ICT and Education CP.

Since 2021, KOICA has been collaborating with MINEDUC and RTB to support the construction of a new campus for RCA, the provision of high-quality educational equipment, the development of school operational policies, and the enhancement of software skills for teachers and students.

By 2025, KOICA will contribute $8.09 million to these initiatives. With KOICA’s support, Rwanda Coding Academy will be able to accommodate a greater number of students, empowering more young Rwandans with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age.

“The ground-breaking ceremony for the new RCA Campus marks a significant achievement in the partnership between Korea and Rwanda under the KOICA’s Rwanda Coding Academy’s Capacity Development Project. The Government of Korea reaffirms its dedication to fostering Rwanda’s remarkable development journey. We anticipate that this Special School will yield enduring positive effects, not solely for its students but also for Rwanda’s technological and innovative advancement,” said Mr. Jeong Woojin, Korean Ambassador to Rwanda.

Jinhwa KIM, Country Director of KOICA Rwanda Office said that KOICA is honored to be a key partner in the journey of Rwanda Coding Academy’s Capacity Development Project. “Our unwavering goal is to help RCA become a center of excellence in Software Development, providing students with high-quality practical skills that are in demand both nationally and internationally.”

Rwanda Coding Academy is a special model school incepted by the Government of Rwanda. It is a hybrid of general education and TVET. It teaches Software Development, Embedded Systems Programming and Cyber-Security. The school was established in 2019 and it’s located in Nyabihu District, Western Province.