On 11 October 2019, trainees completed on job rapid response training programme offered at Enviroserve Rwanda Green Park, a modern e-waste dismantling and recycling facility. During the 4-month programme, 70 trainees acquired technical skills to advance Rwanda’s environmental protection and contribute to job creation. The graduation ceremony took place at Bugesera Industrial Park, Eastern Province.
The graduates emerged with skills in repair, maintenance and recycling of end of life electrical and electronic equipment. They are prepared to deal with the ever-growing amount of e-waste and strive to reach a safe e-waste treatment and disposal. Also, the best candidates will become agents of the Enviroserve, and assist at the upcoming collection points and repair centres around the country.
Speaking about the programme, Enviroserve Rwanda’s Country General Manager, Olivier Mbera, noted the potential in such educational initiatives to build a green Rwanda.
“This training has been fruitful for our graduates. They received on-the-job training by working alongside experienced staff of the Enviroserve facility and external experts. With the support of our partner GIZ Eco-Emploi Programme and WDA under the Skills Development Fund project (SDF), 70 young people are now better placed to enter the job market in the e-waste management value chain. They now possess skills that are valued highly by the market and have been empowered to become environmental champions,” Olivier told guests at the ceremony.
The GIZ Country Director, Bodo Immink, appreciated this partnership, and reflected on the organisation’s work in promoting economic growth and employment opportunities across the country.
The Director General of Planning in the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Guest of Honour, Jonas Munyurangabo, encouraged the Graduates to explore their potential. He asked them to use their expertise to fight the threatening amount of e-waste.
“You have received lessons in this field, and there are a million of opportunities around you. Be diligent. The Government is ready to support. ”. Jonas said.
The ceremony has been marked by awarding certificates to the 70 graduates, concluded by a group photo with the dignitaries and facility staff.
Enviroserve Rwanda is located in Bugesera District and is a hub for e-waste dismantling and recycling. The company processes electronic and electrical equipment from across the region, through proper and environmentally friendly processes.
About Enviroserve Rwanda Rwanda Green Park
Enviroserve Rwanda is dedicated to green growth, the circular economy, and electronic waste recycling. It operates Rwanda’s only state-of-the-art e-waste dismantling and recycling facility.
About WDA/SDF Project
The Government of Rwanda through the Workforce Development Authority (WDA) received accredit from the World Bank for the implementation of its skills development strategy. This Credit has been provided under the Skills Development Project (SDP).
The SDF II is implemented by WDA through the existing National Employment Program (NEP) structures and guidelines and is expanding training opportunities for the acquisition of quality, market-relevant skills with more focus in selected economic sectors of energy, transport and logistics, and manufacturing (with a focus on ‘Made in Rwanda’ products), selected on basis of number of employees, capacity and potential for value addition and improved productivity, foreign direct investment increase and sectors support growth in other sectors.
The Project is providing grants to firms with the most responsive proposals as an effective instrument to rapidly reduce skills gaps and promote employment.
About GIZ Rwanda Eco-Emploi Programme
The Promotion of Economy and Employment Programme (Eco-Emploi) is a joint Rwandan-German Development Cooperation Programme with Technical Assistance by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
