The first phase aimed at building the capacity of Tumba College Technology (TCT) that was being conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has ended.

Tumba College of Technology’s Pascal Gatabazi

Speaking at the event organised to assess on the programme`s achievements, it`s coordinator, Ryuichi Nishiyama, said that the second phase had already been approved.

“We have spent over $ 7 million on this project and we are also looking forward to making sure that this institution plays its expected role which is being the role model amongst technical schools, not only in Rwanda, but in the region,” said Nishiyama.

The five-year programme has also played a significant role in building a strong relationship with the industrial sector. This has enabled students to undergo industrial training before joining the labour market.

“Part of the mission was to have qualified staff and the Industrial Attachment Programme (IAP) has also been considered,” he said.

He explained that IAP had seen graduates easily fit or serve their employers effectively.

Addressing journalists, the Principal of TCT, Eng. Pascal Gatabazi, commended the support received from the Japanese government, saying it contribution towards the development of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector is evident.

“So far, we have passed out 700 graduates, but based on the survey we conducted, 77.5 are employed ,including those who have started their own businesses,” he said.

He added that the survey also indicates that employer`s satisfaction stands at 97.4 percent.

By Susan Babijja, The New Times