Rwanda Tourism University College
Education is key for tourism development
To train and educate the existing and future workforce, high expectations are placed on the Rwanda Tourism University College (RTUC). As RTUC is a new institute (July 2006), they face a number of challenges. These challenges will be addressed in a four year project which is financed by Nuffic (from July 2010 - 2014).
The project ‘organisational strengthening and academic capacity building’ is executed by MDF Training & Consultancy in partnership with INHolland University of applied sciences, Centre for International Cooperation (CIS) University Amsterdam (VU), Sawadee and Outsight Travel (tour operators), MDF Afrique Central and Match Maker Associates Ltd Tanzania.
The project
Six pillars:
- strengthen organisational and management capacity
- strengthen the academic level of teachers and supporting staff (Masters/ PhD)
- develop competence based curriculum development capacity
- strengthen research capacity
- consolidate partnerships (national & international)
- integration of entrepreneurship
Background
The Hospitality and Tourism sector in Rwanda has seen an impressive annual growth of 17-20% recent years. The Rwanda Tourism policy states that the Rwanda tourism industry has a significant role in increasing economic development and employment, considering the distribution of tourism benefits.
The (TVET) policy requires high quality training to create a skilled and professional workforce in value jobs at every level of the tourism and hospitality industry. High expectations are therefore placed on RTUC.
The vision and mission of RTUC is to become a leading outcome-driven entrepreneurial University College in the region, by being a solution provider and translating the excellence into a major contribution to hospitality and tourism training, culture and economic growth and well-being. It offers programmes at Diploma and Bachelor degrees in the field of Hotel and Restaurant Management; Travel and Tour Management and Business Information Technology.
Gender
Gender has special attention in this project and is integrated in all six results. A gender team will work on a gender audit, gender strategy and policy and set out a trajectory for activities to mainstream gender within RTUC (such as training on gender, reviewing curriculum).
Start-up event and Seminar on entrepreneurship development
The project officially started on 24 November 2011 with a seminar on entrepreneurship development and the role of RTUC in upgrading the quality of human resources in the tourism sector in Rwanda. RTUC and the project partners organized this seminar together. The seminar had two main purposes:
- Public launch of the project and to communicate the main objectives and activities to the external stakeholders in Rwanda
- Illustrate the importance of HR development and the links between education with labour market in the tourism sector and the role that RTUC wants to play in HR and Entrepreneurship Development in this sector.
The workshop was very successful, with almost 100 participants, who interacted directly and actively in the programme.
High-level government officials and international development partners participated in the programme and some of them in forum-discussions, such as Ms Monica Nsanzabaganwa, Minister of Commerce and Trade, Ms Rica Rwicamba, Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, Mr Deo Musabyimana from the Netherlands Embassy and the vice-chairpersons of the RTTA and RHRA. The event was filmed by news-programmes and items were broadcasted on national television.
Project Partners
PO Box 430
6710 BK Ede
Netherlands
T +31 (0)318 - 650060
F +31 (0)318 - 614503
E mdf@mdf.nl