Rwanda launches Musanze polytechnic college extension with capacity of 4,000 students

According to the Education Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, Eugene Mutimura, the government of China is contributing to the East African country’s national efforts in technical and vocational education and training. The Minister made the announcement on May 30 at the launching ceremony of an extension project of Integrated Polytechnic Regional College (IPRC) Musanze, in Musanze district, northern Rwanda.

The China-aided project at the value of USD 16 million will expand the current IPRC Musanze, whose infrastructure was also funded by China. The project covers about 7,600 square meters and includes functional buildings such as administration office, complex teaching building, student dormitory as well as other ancillary facilities. Upon completion, IPRC Musanze will have the capacity to enrol more than 4,000 students.

The launching ceremony is going to be a cornerstone of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to the Rwandan institutions, particularly IPRC Musanze, said Mutimura, adding that the extension project is strong evidence of the strong bilateral cooperation between the governments of Rwanda and China.

He thanked the Chinese government for its continuing support to Rwanda and IPRC Musanze, adding that China is contributing toward Rwanda's national needs. "TVET is one of those things that the government is investing in and we are very grateful that we are partnering with China in this effort," said James Gashumba, vice chancellor of Rwanda Polytechnic, which is made of eight IPRCs including IPRC Musanze, as reported by Xinhua.

The completion of the project will turn IPRC Musanze to be one of the best TVET institutions in Rwanda, he said. IPRC Musanze and its extension is "dignity" of Northern Province, and IPRC Musanze will bring dramatical changes in Rwanda's education sector and Northern Province's transformation, said provincial governor Jean-Marie Vianney Gatabazi.

As developing countries, both China and Rwanda share many similarities in development conditions and path, including prioritizing TVET areas, said Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Rao Hongwei, Xinhua noted.

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