500 Rwandan Miners Graduate from Recognition of Prior Learning Program, Paving the Way for Enhanced Productivity

Rwanda’s Minister of Public Service and Labor (MIFOTRA), Hon. Amb. Christine NKULIKIYINKA, on December 6th, 2024, awarded certificates to approximately 500 mining workers who have completed training through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program and passed exams.

The training program aims to enhance productivity in companies through collaboration with various partners, including the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union (REWU), Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), Belgian Development Agency, Enabel, Rwanda Mining Association (RMA), and European Union (EU).

Minister Nkulikiyinka expressed gratitude to REWU and the attendees of the RPL graduation ceremony for mining workers, highlighting the significance of the program being held for the third time, with over 2000 expected to have participated.

She also congratulated 500 graduates on their hard work and praised Belgium’s dedication to job creation and workers’ learning, highlighting the importance of the workplace learning policy in enhancing productivity.

“A national policy aimed at providing training and skill control to workers, who have not received education in a specific field, allowing them to obtain certificates that confirm their learning, is crucial. This program increases their chances of securing a job, allowing them to continue training and improving their skills, ultimately enhancing their overall performance”, she said.

Nkulikiyinka stated that the country has implemented various policies and strategies to foster a knowledge-based economy, including the Recognition of Prior Learning policy, which focuses on developing labor market-specific skills.

She said, “Recognizing prior learning not only enhances employability skills and improves them but also fosters entrepreneurship skills.”

She praised mining companies’ significant role in developing labor market skills and expressed gratitude for their involvement. She hoped that they would continue working with stakeholders to enhance knowledge and productivity, promoting better work in mining. This would benefit both workers and employers, leading to increased productivity and a better work environment.

She emphasized that the country’s goal is to have a private sector-led economy, which is the foundation for its economy and development, particularly in the labor sector.

She encouraged those who have received certificates to enhance their work, productivity, and professional work, regardless of whether they work for themselves or others. “The advantages of these qualifications are not insignificant, but rather in fostering a love for work, characterized by values and professional work.”

During her speech, Alice UWASE, Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB), expressed gratitude to MIFOTRA for its significant contribution to the mining sector promotion program and RTB for its role in enhancing the knowledge and skills of its workforce.

She thanked all miners who have completed the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program for their time, effort, and participation in the program.

She said, “These certificates are a sign of the trust we have in you as professional miners. We expect you to continue to bring positive changes to the mining profession in a way that complies with the law, as well as protecting the environment.”

She assured that RMB will remain close, prioritize their well-being and families, and work diligently to secure all necessary documents to continue advocating for the mining sector’s role in sustainable development.

Eng. Andre MUTSINDASHYAKA, the Secretary General of the Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union (REWU), praised the Rwandan government’s prior learning recognition policy, citing the 81,000 mining workers in Rwanda, as reported by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda in August.

He said, “This program has made it possible for us to cooperate with the Rwanda TVET Board and other institutions to have 3,200 employees who have received Recognition of Prior Learning certificates.”

He expressed gratitude to MIFOTRA for its program, which empowers workers with confidence in their work abilities and allows employers to verify their qualifications, a feature not possible in the past.

“The number is still low, but we hope it will continue to rise until our level will be perfect,” he said.

He added, “My fellow miners who have been given certificates, I would like to ask them to help them work professionally, to assure our employers to be more productive, to be more disciplined, and to use technology more.”

Mr. Laurent Preud’homme, Charge d’Affaires and Head of Development Cooperation at the Belgium Embassy, lauded Rwanda’s commitment to promoting decent work during the event. Representing Belgium and Enabel, he expressed gratitude to the Rwandan government and partners for fostering fair wages and better working conditions. “Access to jobs with fair wages and better working conditions is fundamental to living a dignified life,” he emphasized.

Recalling his presence at last year’s graduation of 2,000 miners, Mr. Preud’homme announced increased Belgian funding to support 1,000 more graduates under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) initiative. He praised milestones, including enhanced social dialogue, collective bargaining agreements with eight companies, and the broader sectoral agreements in progress. These achievements, he noted, recognize miners’ skills, improve job security, and boost economic output.

Acknowledging the occasion’s alignment with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, he urged attendees to act against violence, stressing its societal impact.

Highlighting mining’s pivotal role in Rwanda’s economy, Mr. Preud’homme reaffirmed Belgium’s support to upgrade workers’ skills and promote equitable employment practices, contributing to a stronger, safer sector.

Leonidas SIMPENZWE, Chairman of Rwanda Mining Association (RMA), emphasized that mining is a challenging job, but not too difficult if the individuals involved have the necessary knowledge. He mentioned a past issue where lack of experts in mining and processing hindered production.

He mentioned that in 2000, 2005, and 2010, there were no employees studying in Rwanda’s schools offering mining and geology courses. However, they continued to cooperate with the Rwandan government, resulting in the establishment of the School of Mining and Geology in Rwanda.