TVET Leaders Conclude Intensive QMS Training in Kigali, Empowered as Quality Champions

A five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop focused on the ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems (QMS) successfully concluded on October 17, 2025, at the Don Bosco Hospitality Centre in Kigali, Rwanda. The training, organized by Don Bosco Tech Africa in collaboration with lead consultant and trainer Michael Otiato, aimed to promote the adoption of international quality standards within Rwanda’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

The intensive workshop, which began on October 13th, drew participants including TVET managers, as well as representatives from the private sector, civil society, and various government agencies, all committed to improving the quality and effectiveness of vocational education.

Participants Applaud Program and Urge Continued Engagement

Assistant Prof. Majoro Felicien, one of the participants, expressed great satisfaction, noting the collective pleasure of everyone who attended the five days of learning. Participants actively shared their perspectives, and some even proposed additional training sessions.

Prof. Felicien stressed the necessity for participants to recognize the importance of QMS and integrate their new knowledge into their regular activities. He encouraged everyone to set aside time—either daily or weekly—to review and deepen their understanding. Communication is intended to continue through a dedicated WhatsApp group, allowing participants to exchange ideas, strengthen their understanding, and develop additional skills, especially since the trainer and internet access are readily available.

A Call to Championship: Being in the Spotlight

Father Callixte Ukwitegetse, Coordinator of the Salesian TVET in AGL Province, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing that the attendees had successfully become QMS champions.

Father Ukwitegetse highlighted the significant responsibility that comes with the title: “As champions, you are meant to be exposed, to be in the spotlight, and to be observed”. He stressed that participants must not be mere spectators but must be actively involved on the field.

The goal of this QMS journey, he stated, is for the management system to become a tangible reality that helps institutions achieve excellence. Managing and educating institutions is no longer a trivial task or the domain of a single person; participants are being empowered to be the “heads that inform and support”.

Father Ukwitegetse used the analogy of the Easter candle to describe the role of the champions: the light (QMS knowledge) remains undiminished even as many other candles are lit from it.

He expressed gratitude to the organizer, Don Bosco Tech Africa, for their continued guidance and support, noting their consistent involvement by sending representatives rather than leaving the institutions to arrange themselves. Thanks were also extended to Michael Otiato for sharing his talents.

The program successfully welcomed 14 champions, slightly under the original aim of 15, and Father Ukwitegetse congratulated them on managing to gather people from two different places for the training.

Looking Ahead: National Framework and Digital Expansion

This training forms part of a larger, ongoing capacity building effort led by Don Bosco Tech Africa.

Jean Nepomuscene Nshimyimana, Project Officer from Don Bosco Tech Africa, previously outlined the extensive stages of the initiative.

Future plans include:

• Framework Development: Following the training of trainers and QMS awareness initiatives, a National QMS framework will be developed in collaboration with the private sector, government officials, and various institutions. This framework will guide TVET institutions in implementing and setting up quality management systems.
• Continued Capacity Building: After the national framework is launched, a subsequent training session will be organized specifically for Don Bosco TVET institutions to help them implement the new framework and set up proper systems.
• Digitalization and Access: The developed courses—which cover leadership, market management, operational management, networking, partnership, and green initiatives—are being digitized so that young people and TVET managers can access the content and training wherever they are. The courses are being put online via the Don Bosco Tech Africa website, with a plan to finish uploading by the end of December.
• Targeted Training: Don Bosco Tech Africa plans to train at least 165 TVET managers up to the end of 2026.

The broader support system includes aiding 25 TVET institutions across five countries—Rwanda, Chad, Malawi, Burundi, and South Sudan—to set up budget management systems and assisting those who are not yet accredited to achieve accreditation from their respective national governments.

In concluding the workshop, Father Ukwitegetse encouraged the participants: “We can start small but aim to grow big”. He wished them success and fruitful use of the knowledge and skills gained.