Edward K Mwesigye
23 March 2006
Kigali — ICT is no longer a reserve for urban communities. It has permeated to the villages and been embraced by all. Computer knowledge is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. Even deep in the villages people are yearning for computer knowledge which can be used in almost any type of development activity. In this regard therefore, many individuals, churches and other organizations have picked interest in the field of computer training.
In addition to the already existing computer training centres of Nyagatare and Matimba, Eglisé Episcopale de Gahini (EER) is planning to set up a computer training centre in every district right from Gahini to Kagitumba according to Abayisenga Samuel, the in-charge of Nyagatare Skills Training Centre.
Sponsored by Gahini church, the project "Seeds of Hope" is located in Nyagatare sector, Nyagatare district of the Eastern province. It has two departments; one for skills-training and the other for lodging and restaurant facilities. The services so provided are some of the best in Nyagatare.
According to Abayisenga, these are some of the church projects intended to promote the standards of living not only of the Anglican community but to all residents of the area. Abayisenga who has worked for the church for more than five years says that church projects are good since their primary objective is not profit making but the wellbeing of the people.
"I have been heading the skills training centre for one and a half years. I started working for the diocese five years ago while I was still a student. After completion of my studies I was employed," Abayisenga said.
The "Seeds of Hope" project started offering lodging, restaurant and car mechanics services in the year 2000. All these services have been going on well according to Abayisenga. Because of better services, the centre won a tender for repairing of government vehicles for the former Umutara province. Later on, the centre started offering training in mechanics, driving, and computer skills.
According to Abayisenga, after one year of study, students obtain a certificate in mechanics or computer applications but those pursuing driving courses are facilitated to acquire a driving permit. By the end of last year's training session, about 22 students were passed out as mechanics, 8 as drivers while 14 were offered certificates in computer application courses.
Asked about the entry requirements for each course, Abayisenga revealed that for mechanics only primary six is required, for driving, a minimum of senior three is a must, while for a certificate in computer, one is required to have completed senior six.
Abayisenga says that there are very few people with vocational skills in Nyagatare, yet they are vital for development. He says that it is the beginning of one's long path to self development and professionalism.
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