Kigali: On 5^th October 2021, Minister of State in Charge of ICT and TVET Hon. Claudette IRERE officiated the opening ceremony of National Skills Competition 2021. The event took place at IPRC Kigali and brought together 20 competitors from different TVET Schools and Polytechnics across the country who participated and emerged winners during the provincial selection that was held at IPRCs from 26^th to 27^th August 2021.

In her speech, the State Minister said competitors are ready and have skills to represent Rwanda in World Africa Skills that is scheduled to take place from 28^th March to 2^nd April 2022 in Swakopmund, Namibie and that there is a hope to win the competition.

Speaking to the media, the Vice Chancellor of Rwanda Polytechnic, Dr. James Gashumba said that Rwanda has chosen to compete in four skills areas such as Welding, Plumbing and Heating, Electrical Installation and Bricklaying in which the country is strong as Rwanda won golden medals in four skills during the Africa World Skills Competition held in Kigali 2018. He added that Rwanda Polytechnic will continue supporting these students to get well prepared for competing with other competitors from different countries of Africa.

This Skills competition is a powerful tool to generate awareness of the importance of skills and improvement of the social image of Vocational Education and Training. The National Skills Competition wich will be held every year will be the biggest vocational education and skills excellence event in the country that reflects national image of Skills and Industry. This will contribute to the improvement of TVET attractiveness to both parents and students as well as other stakeholders and will also enhance the quality and relevance of TVET. Regular National Skills Competition will be an opportunity for companies, industries, and trades under PSF to identify skilled personel who can be recruited. This will also be a platform to acquire inputs from stakeholders regarding skills gaps and what needs to be improved in the curricula for TVET.

This competition will among other things be a platform to enhance hands on-skills and exchange of technical expertise in different fields.