As Rwanda prepares to award diplomas to 4,562 students who have completed vocational and technical education, the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) is calling for a profound shift in the mindset of Africans regarding education—urging a system built on local realities and resources, rather than merely imitating foreign models.
RTB’s Director General, Eng. Paul Umukunzi, stated that Africa has long been guided by an education system that prioritizes foreign history, values, and development models, at the expense of its own knowledge systems, cultural context, and potential.
“We were taught that our role is just to memorize, while implementation is for others. This approach led us to devalue our own natural resources, even though we have the capacity to process and utilize them ourselves,” he said.
He emphasized that the time has come for Africa to reclaim its confidence and invest in practical knowledge that transforms people’s lives—especially through vocational and technical education.
Technical Skills Are Not for Failures – They Build Nations
RTB and Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) noted that a flawed perception still exists—suggesting that vocational training is only for those who failed elsewhere. However, data shows this sector offers abundant employment opportunities.
Dr. Sylvie Mucyo, Vice Chancellor of Rwanda Polytechnic, stated:
“Vocational and technical studies are not for the unintelligent or dropouts. Everyone should pursue them because the jobs of the future will go to those with hands-on, practical skills.”
She further explained that the future job market will increasingly prioritize those with technical and vocational skills. Therefore, such training remains the most sustainable path to personal and national economic development.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Education, 70% of Polytechnic graduates find employment within just three months, while 80% of those who complete short-term vocational programs secure jobs within six months. This offers strong hope for innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
