Don Bosco Hospitality Centre Kigali: Two Years On, Youth Express Deep Gratitude for German Government and Don Bosco Mondo Partnership

Kigali, Rwanda – Two years have passed since the inauguration of the Don Bosco Hospitality Centre Kigali, an initiative that has rapidly become a beacon of hope and professional development for young people in Rwanda. Conceived to complement the theoretical training of students in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Food and Beverage Services departments at Don Bosco Gatenga Technical Secondary School (TSS), the Centre has successfully provided invaluable practical experience to its trainees.

The project, which received crucial funding from the German Government through Don Bosco Mondo, was officially opened two years ago with the Presence of the German Ambassador to Rwanda, who hailed the establishment as an “outstanding” activity.

READ ALSO: German Ambassador Applauds Opening of Don Bosco Hospitality Centre in Kigali

Praising the initiative as a cornerstone for national development, she stated, “I’m very happy that the German government is cooperating in financial support with the education system in Rwanda, and this specific jewel of teenage education aligns with the needs of the country and its young population”

Today, the impact of this outstanding partnership is clear. Young people undergoing professional training at the Centre express profound gratitude to the German Government, Don Bosco Mondo, and the Salesians of Don Bosco in Rwanda for creating opportunities that significantly enhance their knowledge and job-readiness.

This Centre is seen as one of the most beneficial partnerships, with its proximity to the school being a major advantage for students.

Practical Learning and Convenience

Students highlight the hands-on approach to learning that the Centre offers.

Mushimiyimana Ruth, a student at Don Bosco Gatenga TSS, shared her experience: “When we come here, some go to the kitchen and show us how a hotel kitchen operates, others go to the rooms and do things related to preparing guest rooms, and others go to the service department and are also shown how it is done; the more we come, the more we learn how it is done.”

Ruth also noted the financial and logistical benefits: “We found having this Hospitality Centre here to be a pleasant thing for us; the fact that the Centre is close to the school means we don’t need a lot of bus fare for our Internship travel, and we are very happy to have a place where we can increase our knowledge because it helps us a lot.”

Uwimana Landrine, another student, reiterated this gratitude, stating, “The training they give us as Interns includes various sections, but all are aimed at elevating our knowledge. We are very grateful to those who thought of this activity because they looked ahead in supporting our education.”

Bridging the Gap Between School and Market

The Centre’s staff are dedicated to ensuring the training aligns with industry demands. Chef Ntakirutimana Danny emphasized the focus on real-world application: “When they come here, we try to match what they study with what is on the labor market. Based on the experience we have, we help them to better understand how things are done. If they studied something there, they come here and we help them put it into practice.”

Beyond technical skills, the training instills essential soft skills. Barista George Gato noted the importance of customer interaction: “When they arrive here, we teach them about conduct and how to carry food or drinks to the Customer, as well as the behavior they should have in front of the Customer… by the end of the next week, they know it and do it well.”

Angelique Mutamuriza, a Receptionist at the Centre, believes the timing of the Centre was perfect. “This center came at the right time; it helps us with many things, including life outside; they teach us to be responsible, ways to develop ourselves, how to make good use of the knowledge we gain from work, and how to welcome those who come to us,” she said.

She added that the services are “delivered professionally, as they are provided by those who have been trained and do it with Willingness.”

The Don Bosco Hospitality Centre Kigali stands as a testament to the success of international cooperation, providing practical education that is shaping the future of Rwanda’s hospitality sector and its youth. The impact of this beneficial partnership is expected to grow significantly in the years to come.

This dynamic collaboration between the German Government, Don Bosco Mondo, and the Salesian Congregation is of the utmost importance.

Beyond educating the youth, the facility operates as a high-quality service provider that generates vital income to sustain the broader charitable missions of the Salesian Congregation in Rwanda.

“To our generous donors and partners: your compassion has planted seeds of hope and prosperity. There is no doubt that this collaboration is a highly beneficial partnership that will continue to transform the lives of vulnerable Rwandan youth for many years to come” Said Father Servilien Ufitamahoro, the Director of the Salesian Planning and Development Office