PRESS RELEASE: Don Bosco TVET Education Advocates for Inclusivity to Empower Youth and Promote Gender Equality in Rwanda

Kigali, Rwanda – 14^th May, 20205: The Salesians of Don Bosco, supported by Don Bosco Tech Africa — the organization overseeing Salesian TVET education across Africa — organized a focused press conference led by Father Callixte Ukwitegetse, head of TVET Education within the Salesian Province of the Great Lakes (Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi). The event was part of a broader advocacy initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity and equity within Rwanda’s vocational training sector.

This gathering addressed critical challenges faced by the TVET sector in Rwanda, emphasizing the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that enables all youth—especially girls and persons with disabilities—to access quality vocational education and skills training essential for sustainable development.

Key issues highlighted included:

• Girls’ Lack of Confidence in Technical Fields: Many young women shy away from pursuing technical vocations, perceiving them as difficult or inappropriate, often due to societal stereotypes.
• Gender Stereotypes and Social Attitudes: Deep-rooted cultural perceptions hinder women from fully engaging in technical and engineering disciplines, limiting their participation and potential.
• Limited Capacity for Inclusive Education: TVET institutions face challenges in accommodating learners with disabilities, denying many the opportunities to acquire practical skills and achieve socio-economic inclusion.
• Insufficient Industry Partnerships: Employers frequently do not provide internships or practical training opportunities, creating a gap between classroom learning and workplace experience.
• Gender-Based Harassment: Girls participating in internships and vocational training often encounter harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Such negative experiences discourage their continued participation and threaten their confidence and safety, hindering their ability to fully benefit from vocational education and contribute meaningfully to the workforce.

In response, the Salesians, with the support of Don Bosco Tech Africa, called for collective action:

• Engagement with the Private Sector: Encouraging companies to collaborate with TVET institutions by offering internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities to graduates and trainees.
• Media Advocacy: Inviting journalists to organize TV and radio talk shows to raise awareness, dispel stereotypes, and promote inclusivity in vocational education.
• Policy and Institutional Reforms: Urging policymakers to develop inclusive policies, enhance capacity for disability accommodation, and align curricula with Rwanda’s national development objectives.

Father Ukwitegetse affirmed, “Inclusive TVET education is foundational for building a resilient and equitable future for Rwanda. We must ensure that every young person, regardless of gender or ability, has the opportunity to develop skills that will empower them and benefit our country’s growth.”

The Salesians, supported by Don Bosco Tech Africa, reaffirm their commitment to fostering accessible and equitable vocational training, advocating for multisectoral collaboration to embed inclusivity as a core principle of national development.

Voices from the Field:

“At Don Bosco, we firmly believe that technical education is a potent catalyst for social mobility and economic empowerment,” states Dominique Uwarugira, the Provincial Job Service officer. “We are deeply committed to providing young Rwandans with the skills and knowledge they need to forge a brighter future, both for themselves and their communities.”

Father Servilien Ufitamahoro, Director of the Salesian Planning and Development Office, emphasizes the organization’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. “Our office is dedicated to supporting Salesian centers in developing projects that precisely address the evolving needs of the Rwandan workforce,” he explains. “We are committed to designing innovative and sustainable programs that empower young people, enabling them to become both productive and responsible citizens.”

Ms. Clementine Uzamureba, Gender Officer at Don Bosco Gatenga TVET School, underscores the critical importance of inclusivity. “We are actively working to encourage more women to pursue technical education,” she explains. “We firmly believe that women have a vital role to play in Rwanda’s development, and we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.”