Don Bosco Gatenga TSS Promotes Female Participation in Vocational Education through Campaigns and Support

Kigali, August 26, 2025 — Graduates of Don Bosco Gatenga Technical Secondary School (TSS) are actively championing technical and vocational education, demonstrating its importance in equipping learners with valuable skills for the job market. Their message was reinforced during a recent campaign at the school aimed at encouraging more girls to pursue vocational training, supported by the Gender Matters for Green TVET project funded by the Austrian Development Agency and Jugend Eine Welt.

At the event, outstanding students from plumbing and electrical technology departments were recognized and awarded professional toolkits to help them transition into the workforce. Nineteen-year-old top performer Leonidas Habumukiza highlighted the significance of awareness campaigns, stating, “Young people will see me using these tools and get motivated to join TVET.”

The campaign’s impact is evident in the increasing female enrollment. From 2022 to 2025, the number of girls enrolled has grown steadily: 60 in 2022-2023, 99 in 2023-2024, and 168 in 2024-2025. The school aims to achieve a 50-50 gender balance this year, further promoting gender equality.

Graduates like Belize Murekatete and Brenda Bayingana expressed gratitude for the support from the Gender Matters project, which addresses barriers faced by female students. Belize, who graduated in plumbing, shared, “With the skills and tools I now have, I can find a job and support myself. I encourage other girls to join TVET because they too can overcome barriers.” Brenda added that the provided equipment is often too expensive for many, and receiving it makes finding employment easier.

Clementine Uzamureba, Gender Officer at Don Bosco Gatenga TSS, explained that awards are given to top male and female students to motivate participation. “Our goal is to encourage more girls to join TVET, and we believe that with the right support and recognition, more young women will pursue technical careers,” she said.

Education Inspector Jean Bosco Basigayabo emphasized the importance of continuous awareness campaigns, stating, “Encouraging girls to join TVET should be an ongoing effort to increase participation rates.” Currently, about 40 percent of TVET students in Gatenga Sector are girls, and the school ensures support for students who cannot afford professional equipment to enable them to apply their skills effectively.

These initiatives highlight the positive steps being taken at Don Bosco Gatenga TSS to promote gender inclusivity in technical education, preparing graduates for meaningful employment and fostering economic self-sufficiency among young people.