Graduation Ceremony at New Hope Technical Institute (WFWP Rwanda)

Written by: Georgette Umubyeyi

On January 10, a graduation ceremony for students of the Culinary Arts program from New Hope Technical School took place in Rwezamenyo, Kigali, Rwanda.

The graduation ceremony was for a short-term course in Culinary Arts for youth, organized by the government to provide training and equip students with labor market-relevant skills. They gained technical competencies and entrepreneurship skills. This exposes graduates to labor market opportunities. The Culinary Arts Course Objectives are the following: Increase the number of specialized personnel in Culinary Arts; Improve food handling safety, food presentation, and proper equipment use in the food service industry; Empower more Rwandans with knowledge, skills, and attitude that provide immediate career opportunities; and to take advantage of entrepreneurial activities that are prevalent in food industries.

The New Hope Technical School in Rwanda was established in 1996 in Kigali to support the rebuilding process subsequent to the end of the civil war and teach women vocational skills so they can be financially independent. Since 2000, with a promotion of the World Bank-sponsored project “Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Project” men and ex-soldiers were enrolled. Some graduates have succeeded as entrepreneurs, utilizing the skills and expertise they learned at this institute.