INES-Ruhengeri Students Awarded Certificates in Employability and Digital Skills

Ruhengeri – June 23, 2025

A group of INES-Ruhengeri students has completed a two-week intensive training in employability and digital skills, culminating in a certificate ceremony held on Monday at the university’s Innovation and Incubation Centre (INNOVIC).

The training was organized by the African Centre for Career Enhancement and Skills Support (ACCESS) in collaboration with INNOVIC, with the aim of equipping students with practical tools for job market readiness. The workshop focused on four core areas: public speaking and presentation skills, interview preparation, cover letter and CV writing, and the use of G-Suite tools.

Speaking at the ceremony, ACCESS Rwanda Coordinator Mr. Fabrice Nkurunziza praised the commitment of the students and highlighted the importance of such initiatives in enhancing youth employability across Africa. He also emphasized the value of collaboration between institutions in delivering practical, skills-based learning.

The Vice Chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri, Fr. Dr. Jean Bosco Baribeshya, commended the efforts of both ACCESS and INNOVIC, describing the program as a key response to the skills gap in Rwanda’s labor market.

The event featured testimonials from two participants, Miss Zawadi Byiringiro (Civil Engineering) and Mr. Abdulmunen Hussen Adam Khater (Biomedical Laboratory Sciences), who shared how the program had improved their confidence and communication abilities. Byiringiro noted that the public speaking module helped her overcome stage anxiety and structure her ideas clearly, while Khater emphasized how the CV and interview sessions gave him a new perspective on how to approach professional opportunities.

Ir. Fabrice Nkurunziza, Innovation and Talent Development Officer at INNOVIC and a certified ACCESS trainer, presented an overview of the training program. According to him, over 180 applications were received from four academic departments: Civil Engineering (CEN), Land Administration and Management (LAM), Applied Economics (APECO), and Biomedical Laboratory Sciences (BLS). A total of 100 students were selected, with two cohorts trained over separate periods.

The first cohort, trained from March 24 to April 4, saw 30 students successfully complete the program and receive certificates. The second cohort, trained from April 2 to May 22, had 16 students who met all participation requirements and were awarded certificates as well.

The ceremony was attended by members of INES senior management, including the Director of Quality Assurance and representatives from the Career Guidance and Professional Development Centre.

The event concluded with a renewed call for students to continue seeking opportunities that blend academic knowledge with practical skills, as INES-Ruhengeri and its partners strive to prepare graduates for a dynamic and evolving job market.