Published by: The Voice Journal Editorial Team
Date: June 21, 2025
“Before joining the tailoring program at our local TVET center, I had no direction in life. I had dropped out of school and spent most of my days idle, relying on family members for basic needs. I often felt invisible—like I had no value in my community. That all changed when I enrolled in the tailoring course and discovered a skill I was passionate about.”
“Today, I run a small but thriving sewing business from my home. I create school uniforms, traditional dresses, and even wedding garments. What makes me proudest is that I now employ two young women from my village, giving them the same opportunity that changed my life. TVET didn’t just teach me how to sew—it restored my confidence and helped me rewrite my future.”
“Studying electrical installation was a turning point. Before TVET, I did manual labor on farms and struggled to find consistent work. The moment I completed my training, I was hired by a contractor installing solar panels in remote schools. I went from uncertainty to having a steady job where I was respected for what I knew.”
“With the income I now earn, I’ve started building a house for my family—brick by brick. It’s a symbol of how far I’ve come. TVET gave me a profession, but more importantly, it gave me a sense of control over my life. I’m not just working for survival anymore. I’m working with purpose, and I’m building something that will last.”
“I always loved cooking, but it was just something I did at home. Through the hospitality training program, I gained new skills in food safety, kitchen management, and presentation. The trainers treated us like professionals, and that made all the difference. I began to believe that I could work in real hotels—not just at local ceremonies.”
“Now, I’m employed at a hotel in Gisenyi where I prepare meals for tourists from all over the world. Every paycheck allows me to support my younger siblings’ education, and I’m saving up to start a small catering business on the side. What started as a personal interest became a career I’m proud of. TVET made my dreams visible—and achievable.”
References:
International Labour Organization. (2022). Skills for Hospitality and Tourism in East Africa. https://www.ilo.org/global/publications/WCMS_849280/lang--en/index.htm
World Bank. (2021). Rwanda Economic Update: Building Human Capital. https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/099539405182225861
Rwanda TVET Board. (2023). Annual TVET Performance Report. Kigali: RTB.
“After finishing school, I went months without work. I felt like I was losing time and self-worth. I heard about the plumbing course and decided to give it a try, not knowing it would lead to a whole new chapter. The training was practical, and I learned how to fix water systems, read blueprints, and work with clients.”
“Today, I run a small plumbing business and serve several sectors around Musanze. My next goal is to expand into installing eco-friendly solar water heaters, as more people are seeking sustainable solutions. With each job I complete, I see that my skill fills a gap in the community. TVET gave me that skill—and the mindset to grow with it.”
References:
Ministry of Education Rwanda. (2023). TVET in Action: Empowering Youth through Practical Skills. Kigali: MINEDUC.
GIZ Rwanda. (2022). Promoting Green Skills in Plumbing and Renewable Energy Systems. https://www.giz.de/en/worldwide/344.html
UNESCO-UNEVOC. (2021). Green Skills and Sustainable TVET in Africa. https://unevoc.unesco.org/home/TVETipedia+Glossary/lang=en/akt=id/term=Green+skills