Technical training institutions have received a major boost after two Germany development agencies donated Rwf15 billion.

The institutions have been suffering from lack of equipment, leading to criticism over the quality of graduates they churn out.

The funds, according to the government, will be used to upgrade training equipment in technical training institutions across the country.

Receiving the grants from the German Financial Co-operation (GIZ) and the German Development Bank (KfW), the Workforce Development Authority said Rwf11.1 billion will finance Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) projects while Rwf4.9 billion will be used on technical assistance programmes.

According to Finance and Economic Planning Minister Claver Gatete, the grant was part of Rwf53.5 billion deal the government recently signed with Germany.

“In division of labour, Germany is taking a lead in education sector, especially technical and vocational training, employment and decentralisation because we need massive skills,” said Mr Gatete.

Mr Gatete said there is a need for a strong entrepreneurship skill in addition to vocational training in a bid to create jobs.

He underscored the role of TVETs in economy growth, saying in the current fiscal year the government allocated Rwf14 billion for infrastructure development and purchase of equipment for the institutions.

Germany ambassador Peter Fahrenholtz said bilateral co-operation between the two countries is focusing on skills development to create impact in all sectors of the economy.

“In the end it is about giving a better life to people, we believe that educational is a crucial area for future development; it is a key driver for poverty reduction and economic growth,” said Mr Fahrenholtz.