As youth unemployment continues to pose challenges globally, Rwanda is seeing a growing sense of hope through a new pathway focused on self-employment and hands-on skills (TVET). This was evident during the “Rwanda Future Skills Forum 2025” exhibition held at Camp Kigali, which brought together young people, educators, private sector players, and development partners.
Sonia Uwayo, one of the youth participants who showcased outstanding work at the forum, said that many people wrongly see vocational education as a last resort. However, for her, it was the starting point of her dream and a path to self-reliance.
“I studied tourism out of passion. I never saw it as just a subject, but as something that could change my life. The opportunity I got to intern at Globalline Safaris gave me direction. Today I have a job, I don’t depend on anyone, and I’m doing something I love,” she said.
She added that such forums offer an exceptional opportunity to meet clients, connect with employers, and expand one’s mindset.
Shumbusho Raymond, Managing Director of Globalline Safaris Ltd, explained that they have introduced a four-month specialized training program for tourism students, after which participants are either employed or supported to start their own initiatives.
“Vocational education shouldn’t be seen as a fallback plan. It’s not just for students from well-off families. It’s for anyone with a dream. When we meet passionate students, we give them the opportunity to test what they’ve learned in real life,” he said.
He added that the company has helped many young people transition from theoretical studies into professional careers.
Emmanuel Nsanzabera, a teacher specializing in beauty and hairdressing at Maison de Jeunes Kimisagara, said that helping youth find direction is more of a calling than a job. He noted that the forum helped them attract new students and especially offered a chance to educate the general public.
“When a student learns and begins earning their own money, it’s not just their gain. They’re also building the country. When you study a trade and start offering services, you reduce unemployment not only for yourself but for others too,” he said.
Claudette Irere, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, said the exhibition proved that vocational education is a forward-looking path, showcasing exceptional talent and advanced technology integrated with trades.
“We aim to increase the number of students in TVET to 60%. Even university graduates are coming back to learn trades, which shows that people now understand the value of vocational training,” she said.
She added that graduates of universities or secondary schools are enrolling in short-term programs because they can find practical employment through hands-on skills.
The Rwanda Future Skills Forum did more than display achievements—it gave strong hope for the future.
Organized by the Rwanda TVET Board, the forum aimed to showcase tangible transformation through vocational education and provide a platform for young people to demonstrate their capabilities.
