The Century Park, KETHA School commit to boost talents of Tourism and Hospitality Students

By Xaveline CYIZA.

Tourism and Hospitality are the key drivers of service delivery across the globe. Rwanda is among the countries in Africa that have promoted and strengthened this business sub-sector through skills-based competence and career guidance.

Kigali Excellent Tourism and Hospitality School has played a pivotal role in training professionals for a couple of years. Today, November 24, 2023, the school welcomed a delegation from their hotel partner ‘The Century Park’ with the aim to motivate the trainees about hospitality industry opportunities, career guidance, and awareness of best service delivery.

In his welcome remark, Alphonse Habimana, the principal of KETHA said that the initiative targets promoting learning activities, capacity building, and partnership to strengthen the trainee’s capacity and link them to the labor market.

“Education is one of the drivers of our goals to foster development, and specifically we aim to train students in Hospitality and Tourism as part of the vocational education and training in order to produce competent workers for this industry,” Habimana said.

Thabitha Umulisa, one of the graduates from KETHA school who is now employed in a hotel said: “Discipline and good conduct are the major weapons to help the learner and the graduate to meet their goals, another thing is to know what you are striving for, to love it and value it. We actually need people who pioneered in this industry to enhance our motivation,”

Liliane Umwari, another graduate from KETHA who is working at The Century Park appreciates the support of the school and its partners who continue to drive professional training and job creation.

Umwari Stella Nadege, another student who did Culinary Arts, reiterates the benefit of acquiring practical skills in hotels.

“What pushed me to study culinary art is that it is needed at the labor market, and it holds a lot of benefits, such as networking with different people from whom you learn many, they may also invest money to support your career.” She said.

The dedication to providing practical skills, career guidance, and industry awareness is invaluable for these students.

Mr.Walid Choubana, The Century Park Hotel General Manager who was leading the delegation to KETHA School highlighted that tourism isn’t merely about landscapes or animals but revolves around the infrastructure provided by hotels and restaurants. Choubana underscores the significance of the workforce—the students themselves. He rightly points out that the essence of these establishments isn’t just the physical structures but the service and experience provided by the enthusiastic, skilled young individuals entering the industry.

“The focus on luxury tourism and catering to the expectations of global tourists, regardless of their origins, is a bold yet realistic ambition.” He said.

Choubana’s message essentially places the responsibility on the students to be the ambassadors of Rwanda’s hospitality, meeting and surpassing the expectations of an international clientele.

His speech not only inspires but also sets a high standard for the students, encouraging them to see themselves as integral components in the larger vision of Rwanda’s tourism success. It’s a call to action, reminding them of their potential to contribute significantly to their country’s economic growth and global recognition.

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