On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, students at the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus, were introduced to a range of digital platforms developed by the Rwandan government to help youth acquire training and find job opportunities before entering the labor market.
The outreach program, organized by the Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Arts and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), received funding from UNICEF and other partners.
Its main goal was to equip students with the necessary tools to enhance their career prospects and successfully navigate Rwanda’s job market.
Key platforms highlighted during the event included, Ingazi that offers courses to help students sharpen their skills in various fields, Kora, a job portal that connects job seekers with employers and Professional Internship Program which offered by MIFOTRA through RDB, in providing career guidance and internship opportunities.
Julien Uwiragiye, an Internship Customer Service Specialist at RDB, shared the motivation behind the initiative.
“We wanted to connect with students, especially those from the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus, to give them firsthand knowledge of these digital platforms. Raising awareness now ensures that when they graduate, they’ll be better equipped to navigate Rwanda’s job market,” he explained.
He emphasized the importance of engaging with these platforms early. “Many students only start using these resources after completing their studies, but platforms like Ingazi offer valuable courses that students can take while still in school. By registering and completing these courses early, they can develop essential skills and avoid wasting time on activities that don’t benefit their future.”
Uwiragiye also addressed the misconception that job opportunities in Rwanda are limited. He pointed to the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1 and NST2), which prioritizes job creation.
He said, “The idea that there are no jobs in Rwanda is simply not true. The government has put in place clear plans to increase employment, and these digital platforms are key resources for accessing these opportunities.”
Ahimana Donat, Employment Promotion Officer and Coordinator for Huye District, echoed Julien’s message, highlighting significant efforts to connect youth with employment.
He noted that in Huye District alone, 34 graduates who completed their studies within the last two years are now engaged in various institutions through the Kora platform’s professional internship program.
Ahimana encouraged students to embrace digital tools and develop their skills for job searches, emphasizing the importance of internet literacy in today’s job market.
“Gone are the days of physically carrying papers to search for jobs. Today, the process is online, and youths must enhance their digital skills to succeed. Know where to find jobs, create opportunities for yourself, and contribute to the development of both yourself and the country,” he said.
Viateur Akuzwe, the Vice Guild President of Huye Campus, underscored the significance of discussing employment opportunities for students.
“Having the chance to talk about employment opportunities is really important to us, and we don’t take it for granted,” Akuzwe stated.
He acknowledged the change in mindset among young people, who are increasingly using the internet not just for social platforms but also for career development.
“Many young people use the internet for WhatsApp and Instagram to stay connected with friends, but now we know they can also be used to search for and apply for jobs without needing to move anywhere,” he added.
According to the 2024 Quarter 2 Labour Force Survey by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the unemployment rate among youth aged 16-30 stood at 20.5%, higher than the overall unemployment rate of 16.8%.
The Rwandan government aims to address this issue through its National Strategy for Transformation (NST1 and NST2), supporting youth through platforms like Kora and other digital initiatives.
