The Rwandan government has announced plans to expand short vocational training courses to support over 1.2 million people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The initiative aims to equip school dropouts with practical skills that enhance their employability.
Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana made this known on Tuesday, February 18, while addressing the Senate on the government’s efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
“We are focused on providing education opportunities for those who have dropped out and are now beyond school age—such as individuals aged 25 or 30 who left at the primary or lower secondary level,” Nsengimana explained.
A recent study cited by the minister revealed that 67% of graduates from technical secondary schools found employment within six months. Similarly, 70% of polytechnic graduates secured jobs within three months, while 80% of those who completed short vocational courses were employed within the same period.
Given the high employability rate of TVET graduates, the government intends to scale up short courses in various trades to reach the over one million NEETs in the country. So far, 30,000 individuals have completed training under the program, with an additional 15,000 set to begin in April 2025.
The initiative is backed by various development partners, including the World Bank, and covers multiple sectors of the economy.
This large-scale vocational training expansion aligns with Rwanda’s broader efforts to boost employment and economic growth by providing hands-on skills to its citizens.
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