The Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC), the Belgian development agency, has completed a two-month training for 146 teachers and directors from 37 vocational training centers in Southern Province.

The project, called Support for Vocational Training, is co-funded by the Rwandan government and cost Frw 1 million.

Minister of State in Charge of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Matthias Habamungu (second from left), and resident representative of BTC Jean Yves Saliez (center, with glasses) are shown around a training center in Southern Province. (courtesy photo)

Apart from the vocational training sessions, BTC had also trained 80 instructors from the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) in active methodology. They also were given the opportunity to attend technical capacity building programs in Singapore earlier.

According to Jean Yves Saliez, the resident representative of BTC, even though there are efforts to encourage Rwandans to opt for white collar jobs, blue collar jobs are still in demand and there has been no opportunity to train people in vocational training.

The training is part of a four-year Indicative Cooperation Program (ICP 2007-2010) with a total budget of €140 million (approximately Frw 114 billion).

Under the ICP, various programs are underway while others have been completed. They include technical and vocational training and governance, especially within the National Police and the justice system through the construction of 13 court houses, 11 of which are ready for handover.  Other areas supported by ICP include agriculture and education.

“There are projects that will continue even when the current ICP ends,” Saliez said.

In the next ICP (2010 -2013), BTC plans to increase the funding and reduce the number of programs so as to achieve efficiency and effectiveness. Saliez indicated the budget has not yet been established since it will be the subject of negotiations between both sides.

Saliez reiterated Belgium’s commitment to realign its support to Rwanda’s priorities. 

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