African Salesian PDO Staff Conclude Crucial Project Management Workshop in Kigali with Certificate Ceremony

KIGALI, Rwanda — Friday, 29th May 2026: An intensive capacity-building workshop organized by the Italian NGO VIS for Planning and Development Office (PDO) staff from various African Salesian provinces has officially concluded. To mark the end of this significant professional development program, a certificates ceremony was held today, presided over by Father Servilien Ufitamahoro and the VIS Team.

The comprehensive training, which aimed to strengthen the operational capacities of PDO staff, was conducted in two parts: an initial online theoretical phase, followed by this week’s in-person practical sessions in Kigali. The curriculum focused heavily on administration, project budgeting, and reporting.

Participants expressed deep satisfaction with the outcomes of the workshop. John L. Facial, representing the PDO in Sierra Leone, praised the facilitators and the practical nature of the sessions.

“It improves on what you already know as an accountant or as an administrator, or as a program person,” he stated. Highlighting the long-term impact of the workshop, he added, “We hope for more trainings to build on our human capital development… This also will help us to expand on our professional activities when we go back to various countries and it will help also for the growth and development of PDO as a whole”.

For others, the specific strategic tools introduced during the practical phase were a highlight.

Salomé Traoré, an Administration and Finance Officer from Mali, noted that the training directly addressed areas flagged in recent external evaluations. “The sustainability plan, which is not a common practice in our structure, and also the procurement plan really left a mark on me in that sense,” she explained.

Beyond the classroom, the participants were profoundly moved by their experiences exploring Rwanda.

The host city provided a comfortable and inspiring backdrop for the attendees.

Traoré, who had left behind 42-degree heat in Mali, marveled at the cool climate, the abundant greenery, and especially the immaculate environment. She was so inspired by Kigali’s pristine streets that she plans to implement a new educational initiative upon her return. “At my return, I am going to use a ‘Mot du Matin’ to speak to the learners… to explain that I visited a city that is very clean and that we must start these practices at home so that we also make our city clean,” Traoré shared.

The training also included an excursion to Muhazi, where attendees visited a local Don Bosco community and a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center. Observing the students acquiring practical skills for self-development left a strong impression. “It was a great experience to see the lake there… you can reconnect with nature,” Facial reflected. “I think it’s also very interesting and impressive that children are there to acquire skills that they will use to develop themselves”.

As the PDO staff return to their respective countries armed with new certificates, enhanced administrative skills, and fresh inspiration from the Rwandan community, the Salesian missions across Africa are poised to see a direct benefit in the management and sustainability of their youth and development projects.

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