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By Clementine Nyirangaruye
Graduates of Don Bosco Gatenga Technical Secondary School (TSS) in Kicukiro District are calling on young people to embrace technical and vocational education, presenting themselves as proof that TVET equips learners with skills that are highly valued in the job market. Kigali, August 26, 2025.
The message was delivered during a campaign held at Don Bosco Gatenga TSS aimed at encouraging more girls to pursue vocational training. During the event, outstanding graduates from plumbing and electrical technology departments were awarded professional toolkits to help them put their training into practice.
Nineteen-year-old Leonidas Habumukiza, one of the top-performing students, said such campaigns are vital for inspiring youth to join TVET.
“Campaigns like this are important because the results speak for themselves. Young people will see me using the tools I was awarded for performing well, and that will motivate them to also pursue vocational training,” he said.
Girls who received toolkits expressed gratitude to the Gender Matters for Green TVET project, which has supported female students by addressing the challenges they face in accessing technical education.
Belize Murekatete, 21, who graduated in plumbing technology, said:
“I now have the skills and the tools, which solves a big challenge. In previous years, there were only two girls in a class of more than 30 students. I thank the project for supporting me as a young woman. With these tools, I encourage other girls to join TVET because they too can overcome barriers and find jobs to sustain themselves.”
Another plumbing graduate, Brenda Bayingana, noted that the equipment provided is normally expensive and out of reach for many graduates.
“Having these tools will make it easier for me to find employment. My message to girls is simple: come and study TVET, we are capable. I thank the project for this support and hope it can reach many more students,” she said.
Clementine Uzamureba, Gender Officer at Don Bosco Gatenga TSS and coordinator of Gender Matters for Green TVET, explained that two male and two female top performers were awarded as part of efforts to boost female participation in vocational studies.
“We want to encourage more girls to join TVET. At Don Bosco Gatenga, those who excel receive professional toolkits aligned with their field of study, which makes it easier for them to secure jobs,” she said.
Jean Bosco Basigayabo, Education Inspector in Gatenga Sector, emphasized that continuous awareness campaigns are essential to increase female enrollment.
“Encouraging girls to join TVET should be a year-round effort to raise participation rates,” he said.
Currently, about 40 percent of TVET students in the Gatenga Sector are girls. For graduates who cannot afford professional equipment, the school provides support to ensure they can apply their training in the workplace.
