Rwanda gaining more professional Chefs to close skilled workforce import gap

By Inspirer Staff.

As hospitality and tourism sector continues to grow, there is a need to produce more professional Chefs, Germaine Mudahogora, who oversees short courses at the Rwanda TVET Board, has said.

She was speaking on November 23, 2024, as Esther’s Aid School held its 15th Graduation Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of 230 students in Culinary Arts and Fashion Design.

The event gathered an array of esteemed partners including the Government Representatives, Rwanda TVET Board, representatives from the U.S. Embassy, hotel representatives, parents, and other members of the private sector, all united in support of the graduates.

She emphasized the critical role of skilled workers in boosting the country’s economy and expressed gratitude for Esther College’s contribution to equipping graduates with valuable skills.

“The country needs skilled workers to make money and increase the country’s income,” Mudahogora noted.

She acknowledged the school’s efforts and extended appreciation to its partners, including hotels that provided practical training opportunities for the students.

She commended the rising number of graduates, with a particular focus on the inclusion of girls.

“The number of graduates is joyful, especially because the girl child is among them,” she remarked.

She also highlighted how these graduates are filling gaps that previously required foreign workers.

“We are thankful that we now have our citizens contributing to activities where we previously needed workers from abroad, such as fashion designers in DR Congo. But now, we are growing up,” she said.

Clare Effiong, Country Mission Director of Esther’s Aid, who have been with the students throughout their journey, reflected on their transformation.

“You are now graduates. You came in your graduation gowns, and now you stand in your professional uniforms, ready for the world before you.”

She said for the past decade, Serena Hotel has been supporting Esther’s Aid.

Addressing the graduates, Effiong shared words of encouragement and wisdom.

“The choices you have made are good. But sometimes, the goodness in those choices needs to be discovered. Hopefully, you have learned from us at Esther’s Aid because we have learned from you,”

Ambassador Joseph Nsengimana said Rwanda’s openness to Africa and international partnerships creates significant opportunities for the country.

He highlighted the importance of graduates contributing to this vision through their professional skills, such as culinary arts.

“If they do their work well, visitors will leave saying that Rwanda treats them exceptionally and offers great food,” he remarked.

This positive impression, he noted, encourages tourists to return, bolstering Rwanda’s reputation as a hospitable destination.

He emphasized that excellence in their craft not only enhances the country’s image but also helps graduates attract more customers, ultimately driving personal and national growth.

Adrim Tall, USAID Education Officer said: “Today, we are not just marking the end of an educational journey; we are also celebrating new beginnings,” he said, urging graduates to use their skills to create positive change in their communities.”

“You are not just graduates; you are builders of lives. You hold the power to repair broken dreams and to uplift those around you,” he noted.

Professional Chef Claude Bigayimpunzi, Secretary General of the Rwanda Chef Alliance, welcomed the culinary graduates into a global network of chefs.

“You are part of the global chef,” he declared, emphasizing the nobility of their craft.

“Never forget… it is a privilege to cook and feed people.”

He reminded them that commitment and passion are the foundations of success in their profession.

Norah Mushimiyimana, a proud graduate in Culinary Arts from Esther College, shared her transformative journey, highlighting the skills and confidence she gained during her studies.

“I have been liking cooking-related activities but I had no confidence to learn it and make it professional,” she admitted. However, enrolling at Esther College proved to be a turning point.

“Esther’s Aid helped us, and I made it real,” she said, adding that her new abilities began to amaze her family.

“I started to surprise my household members by preparing amazing food, and they appreciated them. That boosted my confidence.”

Mushimiyimana’s newfound skills not only impressed her loved ones but also inspired her to dream of passing this knowledge to the next generation.

“I thought that if I give birth to a child, I can bring them there,” she shared, emphasizing the lasting impact of her education.

Reflecting on her journey, Mushimiyimana highlighted the comprehensive training she received.

“We learned to not only implement what we were taught but also to be creative,” she explained.

The program also enhanced her efficiency, enabling her to “work faster.”

Her story is one of unexpected turns. Initially, her parents had envisioned a different path for her. “I learned Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology in secondary school, and my parents thought I would become a doctor,” she recalled.

However, her decision to pursue culinary arts proved worthwhile. “For now, they are glad due to the skills I gained, which convinced them.”

Encouraging others to explore the profession, Mushimiyimana emphasized the abundance of opportunities it offers.

“This profession is good. I urge others to join it as we learned to implement this into life. There are many opportunities, including jobs,” she said.

Mushimiyimana’s story underscores the power of pursuing one’s passion and the impact of quality education in transforming lives. Her confidence, creativity, and determination make her a shining example of the graduates stepping into the world as skilled professionals.