KETHA graduates urged to seize opportunities and shape Rwanda’s future

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

Over 200 young professionals crossed the stage on Thursday, July 3, 2025 as the Kigali Excellent Tourism and Hospitality Academy (KETHA) held its fifth graduation ceremony, marking a milestone for the institution and a new beginning for its graduates.

In a heartfelt speech on behalf of his peers, graduates’ representative Joshua Rwigema paid tribute to the Academy’s leadership and faculty for nurturing not just academic knowledge but practical skills and ethical values needed to build Rwanda’s growing tourism and hospitality industry.

“Our dedicated teachers and the whole institutional family — good afternoon. It’s truly a special day, not just because we have reached the finish line, but because of those who have run the race with us,” Rwigema told the audience of students, parents, and partners.

He hailed the principal for standing “as a pillar of strength through every hardship” and for fostering partnerships that open doors to internships and employment opportunities for KETHA students. “Ghetto continues to produce not just graduates, but contributors to the workplace and society — employees who are professionally trained, ethically grounded, and future ready,” he said.

Addressing his classmates, Rwigema reminded them to cherish the gift of education: “It is not only just a chance, it’s a blessing. Education is a key that many around the world still dream of holding on to. Don’t ever take it lightly, hold on to it, use it wisely — let this just be the beginning, not the end.”

In her remarks, a representative from CHANSEN International, a partner organization supporting students through income share agreements, praised the graduates for their resilience and commitment to paying it forward.

“We believe financial barriers should never stand in your way. That’s why we finance students, including many brilliant young people graduating here today,” she said. “As they grow in their careers, they have begun giving back — repaying not just to Trenton but to help another student coming after them. Every repayment helps open doors for another young person like you.”

She urged the graduates to remain connected to their sponsors and communities, acting as ambassadors for the program and its impact. “Go out and make Trenton proud. Go out and make Rwanda proud,” she said.

As the class of 2024 turned their tassels, the ceremony closed with cheers and hopeful faces ready to tackle Rwanda’s evolving tourism and hospitality sector, armed with fresh skills and the determination to lift others along the way.

Dr. Alphonse Habimana, Principal of the Kigali Excellent Tourism and Hospitality Academy (KETHA), urged graduates to step into the workforce with confidence and courage.

“I encourage our graduates to reject fear and actively enter the labour market,” Dr. Habimana told journalists during an interview. “They have the skills and knowledge to become excellent advisors in culinary arts and can tap into even more opportunities as the industry grows. There is so much potential for them to explore new markets and contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality sector.”

The guest of honor from the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), in charge of the hospitality and tourism departments, encouraged graduates to put their knowledge and discipline into practice as they enter the job market.

“I am happy to stand here today at this fifth graduation ceremony,” the RTB representative said while addressing the participants. “We urge graduates to use the knowledge, skills, and discipline they have gained to represent our country well, both locally and abroad. We want them to become employers rather than job seekers — to open doors for Rwanda and start a new journey in the labour market.”

He emphasized that with the practical training they have received, graduates are well-prepared to compete at both the local and international level.

“We also call on parents to support these young people in turning their skills into real investments and businesses. TVET remains open to everyone ready to build skills and create opportunities for themselves and others,” he added.

As the celebrations came to an end, one message was clear: Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality graduates are not just ready for jobs — they are ready to create them, lifting others and carrying forward a vision of shared prosperity. With the right mindset, support, and dedication, they now stand on the edge of opportunity, ready to shape the future they wish to see.
         

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