PDO Director Received the Austria-Funded Gender Matters for Green TVET Program in Kigali

Kigali, November 7, 2025 — On Friday, Father Servilien Ufitamahoro, the Director of the Planning and Development Office in the Salesian Province of AGL (Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi), welcomed a delegation from Austria at the Provincial House in Kigali. The visitors are in Rwanda to assess the progress of the “Gender Matters for the Green TVET” program, a crucial initiative promoting gender equality and sustainable development in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

The delegation, led by Program Manager Johanna Dreher from the Gender Matters for Green TVET Project Team, was received with enthusiasm and interest. With funding from the Austrian Development Cooperation and Jugend Eine Welt, the program has been creating positive impacts in the Salesian TVET centers in both Rwanda and Uganda.

The delegation is made of Mutala Innocent, Ogwang Prossy, Zsuzsanna Fodor, and Johanna Dreher.

In an exclusive interview, Johanna Dreher shared insights about the program’s progress. She expressed her satisfaction with the transformation observed over her visits since 2023. “When I first visited the centers in 2023, I met young girls and women who were shy and reserved. Now, during this visit, I see they are full of energy, pride, and self-esteem. It’s clear that the program, along with the dedicated efforts of the stakeholders, gender officers, and job service officers, has empowered them significantly,” Dreher remarked.

The program’s focus is on fostering confidence and independence among young women and girls, equipping them with skills to succeed in their careers and lives. Dreher highlighted that as the project approaches its final year, significant activities are still underway to ensure lasting impact. These include the rollout of a gender policy, expected to be approved by the Salesian council early next year, and the introduction of green modules — such as solar energy, electrical work, plumbing, and agriculture — into focus courses.

Additionally, training sessions are planned for Job Service Officers to enhance their capacity, particularly through the adoption of new manuals like the JSO manual. These initiatives aim to sustain and expand the achievements of the program beyond its initial four-year span, which began in 2023.

“The energy, commitment, and willingness to continue empowering youth remain strong,” Dreher emphasized. “Our goal is to ensure that upon completing their courses, young people are not only skilled but also confident to find employment and manage their lives independently.”

As the program continues to develop, it exemplifies a successful model of combining gender equality, green skills, and youth empowerment — paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future in East Africa.