Gihoza Marie Claire, a recent graduate, faced uncertainty about finding work while continuing her studies. Through an internship at CND Industries facilitated by Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), she gained the experience she needed to secure full-time employment and now mentors other graduates through the internships at her place of work.
“This internship gave me the opportunity to continue my studies while gaining work experience,” Gihoza said. “After graduation, I was fully employed and now train other intern graduates and students.”
Her story is part of a broader initiative by AJPRODHO–JIJUKIRWA to strengthen Rwanda’s workplace learning system. On Friday, the NGO launched a multi-stakeholder technical committee to improve internship opportunities, apprenticeships, and skills training for youth. The meeting was held in collaboration with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Never Again Rwanda.
The committee brought together government officials, private sector representatives, academics, civil society actors, and development partners to address challenges in workplace learning, including limited opportunities, under-equipped companies, lack of mentorship, and insufficient standardized programs.
“Strengthening workplace learning is key to ensuring inclusive employability in Rwanda,” said Julius Kwizera, Executive Secretary of AJPRODHO–JIJUKIRWA. “It allows young graduates, including persons with disabilities, to gain relevant skills and smoothly transition into the workforce. Through this initiative, we aim to bridge the gap between education and employment, improve productivity, and contribute to NST2 then to Vision 2050.”
Kwizera added that collaboration with development partners strengthens the initiative. “Working with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Never Again Rwanda ensures that our interventions are strategic, inclusive, and sustainable. By involving government, the private sector, and civil society, we can create a system that benefits all youth and meets Rwanda’s labor market needs,” he said.
Innocent Ndayisenga, another beneficiary, joined CND Industries as a trainee. “It’s not easy to find internships, and I am grateful to CND for giving me this chance,” he said.
Companies are seeing benefits too. Richard Rukundo, Human Resource Manager at CND Industries, said the committee will help coordinate efforts to build a skilled workforce. “By including all stakeholders, we strengthen our workforce and contribute to national growth,” he said.
AJPRODHO–JIJUKIRWA has long promoted youth empowerment through enterprise development, life skills training, and policy advocacy. Its initiatives have influenced government policies, including restoring scholarships, reversing increased court fees, and improving gender-based violence community mechanisms.
The committee will also create a roadmap for action, define roles and responsibilities, and foster collaboration among stakeholders to ensure workplace learning programs are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with Rwanda’s economic priorities.
Through initiatives like this, AJPRODHO–JIJUKIRWA hopes internships become more than a graduation requirement—they aim to make them a reliable stepping stone toward sustainable employment and inclusive growth for Rwanda’s youth.
