The Salesians of Don Bosco in Rwanda’s Job Service Coordination Department hosted an important forum aimed at advancing the role of the Job Service Office (JSO) model in transforming youth employment and lifelong skills development across Rwanda. The gathering brought together a wide array of participants, including graduates, employers, business owners, TVET school leaders, Job Service Officers, instructors from Rwanda Polytechnic, and incubation center representatives.
The primary purpose of this forum was to promote awareness of the JSO model’s comprehensive five-step transition process and to foster collaboration among key stakeholders. It sought to encourage the wider adoption of the model across TVET institutions by showcasing its potential to support graduates beyond just securing immediate employment. The forum aimed to deepen understanding of how the JSO framework can facilitate a seamless transition from education to productive livelihoods, emphasizing lifelong skills, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
A core focus was to create a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and partnership building, strengthening the network of actors involved in youth employment in Rwanda. The event also aimed to generate clear action points to scale up the JSO approach, ensuring its alignment with national workforce development strategies. An essential objective was to form a national JSO stakeholder network to enhance communication, collaboration, and coordinated efforts.
Participants discussed how the JSO’s multi-layered process—from raising awareness and vocational planning, to stakeholder engagement, pre-placement coaching, job placement, and promoting lifelong livelihood skills—can be effectively implemented and expanded across the country. The forum underscored the importance of not only creating jobs but also fostering resilient livelihoods and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
Mr. Dominique Uwarugira, the Provincial Job Service Officer (P-JSO), highlighted the significance of the event: “This forum is a critical step in increasing awareness and encouraging collaboration around an approach that can truly transform how our youth transition into meaningful careers and lifelong beneficiaries of their skills.”
Father Callixte Ukwitegetse, P-TVET, reinforced the forum’s strategic importance: “The success of Rwanda’s development depends on how well we support our youth throughout their entire career journey. This gathering aims to push for greater adoption and integration of the JSO model nationwide.”
By the end of the forum, stakeholders committed to establishing a robust national JSO network, sharing best practices, and implementing the strategic actions necessary for scaling this transformative approach. The event marked a pivotal moment in Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to create a skilled, adaptable, and empowered youth workforce, aligned with the country’s broader economic and social development goals.
