At EjoHe Initiative (EHI), we believe that empowering students with the tools to make informed decisions is the key to shaping a brighter future. This vision came to life on January 11-12, 2025, when we launched the “Career Guidance and Life Planning Education Program” at Rutobwe Secondary School. This transformative initiative aimed to inspire students to explore their interests, set achievable goals, and understand the opportunities within Rwanda’s education and career landscape.
A Visionary Start
The program was introduced by a former student of Rutobwe Secondary School, who wanted to give back to the institution that shaped their journey. This effort was backed by the shared goal of aligning education with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, which emphasizes creating a market-driven education system equipped to meet future skill needs.
The headteacher of Rutobwe Secondary School officially opened the training, emphasizing the importance of career counseling in helping students make informed decisions about subject combinations and future aspirations. His words resonated with the Senior Three students, motivating them to engage fully in the sessions.
Offical opening of the training sessions by ES Rutobwe’s Headteacher
Engaging Sessions That Inspire
The program consisted of well-structured sessions designed to address various aspects of career guidance and life planning:
Self-Awareness and Development: Students explored their interests, abilities, and motivations, learning how these align with career choices. By the end of this session, they could identify their career personality types and set short-term goals.
Career Exploration: The students gained insights into evaluating subject combinations, exploring various careers, and understanding the influence of mentors, family, and friends on their choices.
Understanding Rwanda’s Educational Pathways: Students delved into the structure of Rwanda’s education system, learning about scholarships, internships, and start-up opportunities that could support their future goals.
Career Planning and Management: Participants were guided in creating SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals, equipping them to plan their educational and professional journeys effectively.
Presentation of self understanding and development by Dr. Boaz Igirameza
Real-Life Inspiration
One of the program highlights was the motivational testimony by Phn. Didier Habiyaremye, who shared his journey from a student to becoming a pharmacist. His story inspired students to dream big and make the most of opportunities like this program to achieve their goals.
Phn. Didier HABIYAREMYE providing motivational testimony of his academic journey until he become a Pharmacist.
Hands-On Learning
Students also participated in interactive sessions, including interest profiling using the O*NET computerized tool. This activity allowed them to explore career options aligned with their skills and passions while understanding the academic requirements for their chosen paths. Small group discussions further enriched the learning experience, providing a platform for personalized guidance and inspiration.
Online interest profiling in smart class
Transforming Lives, One Student at a Time
By the end of the program, students felt more confident in their ability to make informed decisions about their education and career paths. The program’s success was evident in the enthusiastic participation and feedback from students, teachers, and trainers alike.
Looking Ahead
EHI is committed to expanding this impactful program to more schools, especially in rural areas, to ensure that every student in Rwanda has access to quality career guidance. We plan to:
- Organize follow-up sessions to monitor student progress.
- Involve industry experts to share real-world career insights.
- Integrate parents into the process to strengthen support for students.
- Enhance the use of technology for personalized career advice.
Join Us in Making a Difference
This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Rutobwe Secondary School, the dedicated team of trainers, and the motivated students. As we look to the future, we invite individuals and organizations to partner with us in empowering Rwanda’s youth.
Together, we can help students unlock their potential and build a future-ready generation that contributes meaningfully to national development. Stay tuned for more updates and stories from EjoHe Initiative!
