TVET Conference 2024: Fostering Competent Graduates through Collaborative Efforts

By The Inspirer.

In a collaborative effort to enhance the quality of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the TVET Conference 2024 which took place in Kigali on January 26, 2024, emerged as a significant milestone.

This event unfolded as part of the TVET Quality Management Project (TQUM), a bilateral collaboration between the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Republic of Rwanda through the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC).

Gathering over one hundred participants from both governments, the high-profile conference welcomed influential figures, including Mr. JEONG, WOO JIN (Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Rwanda), Ms. KIM, JINHWA (KOICA Rwanda office Country Director), Dipl. Ing. Paul Umukunzi (Director General of Rwanda TVET Board – RTB), and Dr. Bahati Bernard (Director General of the National Examination and School Inspection Authority – NESA). TVET school head teachers and representatives of TQUM Project partner institutions also played integral roles in the discussions.

Under the theme “Driving Transformation through Competency-based TVET,” the conference facilitated dynamic conversations on Competency-based Curriculum Development, Competency-based Training and Assessment (CBT/CBA), and TVET Trainer Certification. The primary goal was to elevate the quality of TVET delivery, ensuring the production of competent graduates aligned with labor market demands and contributing to Rwanda’s socio-economic development.

Mr. JEONG, WOO JIN, emphasized the robust partnership between Rwanda and the Republic of Korea in the realm of education and technical vocational training. He underscored the transformative impact of education and TVET in shaping a prosperous and stable society, stating, “Education and TVET would be fundamental and essential investments in human capital development and economic reforms.”

Expressing gratitude for the support from the government of South Korea through the TQUM Project, Paul Umukunzi, the Director General of RTB, acknowledged TQUM as a significant partner in fostering quality TVET through its support in TVET competency-based curriculum development, assessment, and capacity development of trainers.

Dr. Bahati Bernard, the Director General of NESA, commended TQUM’s efforts in developing competency-based curricula aligned with labor market standards. He stressed the importance of continued collaboration that aligns with current and future government plans and labor market demands.

Since its establishment in 2021, the TQUM Project has played a pivotal role in strengthening Rwanda’s TVET system. Accomplishments include the development of nineteen curricula for TVET Basic Education (BE) and eight curricula for TVET higher education (HE).

The project has conducted TVET Quality Audits, capacitated TVET teachers and administrators, and provided valuable training programs in South Korea, benefiting hundreds of individuals.

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