The leadership of Rwanda’s National Agency for TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), known as RTB, has stated that European colonial education systems significantly hindered the intellectual development of Rwandans and Africans more broadly by teaching them only European history and wars, rather than encouraging their own discoveries or innovations.
This was highlighted by the Director General of RTB, Eng. Paul Umukunzi, during a press briefing on Wednesday where RTB and Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) presented various upcoming activities. Eng. Umukunzi criticized the historical influence of Europeans on African education, saying they taught Africans to memorize foreign knowledge rather than apply it practically, convincing them they were incapable of inventing or discovering anything themselves. As a result, African minds were stunted.
He said: “We were told that our role was just to memorize words while actual application was for others. That’s why many African countries export their natural resources raw, even though we could easily process them ourselves. We were made to believe that we must study their history and wars, ignoring our own heritage.” “TVET schools are not for the unintelligent, as some people think” – Eng. Umukunzi
Eng. Umukunzi emphasized that with the right mindset, technical and vocational education can greatly contribute to national development. He urged the public to discard the outdated notion that vocational training is only for those who fail in traditional academic systems. He stated: “We need to change our perception and understand that vocational schools are not for failures or those with no other options. We must recognize their value.”
Dr. Sylvie Mucyo, Vice Chancellor of Rwanda Polytechnic, echoed these sentiments. She stressed that national progress depends on acquiring and applying practical knowledge, and that everyone, regardless of academic background, can benefit from vocational education. She said: “Vocational and technical education is not for the less intelligent or dropouts. It’s for everyone, and anyone can achieve great things through it.”
She added that the jobs of the future will prioritize those with hands-on technical skills, making vocational education the most reliable path to both personal and national economic growth. The second phase of Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2)emphasizes enhancing the quality of education in technical and vocational institutions (TVETs) and aligning it with labor market demands.
Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) will be expanded and made available in every local administrative unit across the country. Meanwhile, technical and vocational schools, as well as higher learning institutions, will continue to receive investments in modern infrastructure and equipment, with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), innovation, and research aligned with job market needs.
Dr. Sylvie Mucyo, Vice Chancellor of Rwanda Polytechnic
According to data from the Ministry of Education, 80% of students who complete short-term vocational programs find jobs shortly after graduation, 67% of those who finish TVET programs secure jobs within six months and 70% of graduates from polytechnic higher institutions find jobs within three months of completing their studies.
Aline Nyampinga