Innovative technical education in Rwanda: a case study of the Kigali Institute of Science, Technology and Management (KIST)

The Government of Rwanda, with support from UNDP and GTZ, established the Kigali Institute of Science, Technology and Management (KIST) in November 1997 in its endeavour to reduce the chronic shortfall of skilled technical personnel. This situation is a direct consequence of the war and genocide of 1994, exacerbated by the historical lack of emphasis placed on technical education. Ln its effort to achieve this, KIST has implemented an innovative five-year modular system of education. Such an approach has red to mixed reactions from students and the general population. Although the programme is progressing as planned, problems encountered relate to a historical distaste for hands-on technical training and belief that technical training is inferior to more theoretical education, poor response from industries for student internships and difficulties with compulsory language courses within the framework of the Government's bilingual policy. Successes relate to the resolution of some of these problems through student participation and instilling democratic ideals. Additionally the Institute has managed to significantly increase its female enrolment from 13% in the last academic year to 25% currently.