RDB, RTN partner to re-skill Rwandans badly affected by COVID-19

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has partnered with the Rwanda Telecenton Network (RTN) to offer both employed and unemployed Rwandans access to a wide range of online courses and certificate programs for free. This initiative aims to re-skill Rwandans who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, empowering them to re-enter the labor market with enhanced skills and knowledge. Chief Skills Officer at the RDB, Elodie Rusera, joined CNBC Africa to discuss the details of this partnership and how it will benefit the people of Rwanda. Elodie Rusera highlighted that the partnership leverages Coursera's Online Learning Platform in its Workforce Recovery Program, providing Rwandans with access to 90% of Coursera's courses and certificate programs at zero cost. The initiative will run until December 31st, offering unlimited and free access to over 3,800 courses taught by esteemed professors from renowned universities worldwide. The priority for these licenses is given to individuals who have been most impacted by the pandemic, particularly the unemployed and recent graduates. The program aims to enhance job readiness, entrepreneurship skills, and workplace competence, ultimately improving the employment prospects of participants. To address the challenge of limited internet access, public ICT access points in various districts and national employment service centers have been made available for individuals facing connectivity issues. These centers offer a solution for those who lack internet access or hardware to participate in the online courses. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 9% increase in unemployment in Rwanda between February and May this year, significantly affecting the labor market. Economic projections indicate a negative growth rate for sub-Saharan Africa in 2020, with Rwanda facing a decline from 9.4% in 2019 to 2% due to the pandemic. Unemployment is expected to hover around 20%, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to stimulate job creation and economic recovery. In response to the economic challenges posed by the pandemic, the RDB and other government institutions have implemented various interventions aimed at boosting job creation and supporting the private sector. These efforts include fast-tracking labor-intensive investment projects, promoting sectors like construction, manufacturing, IT services, healthcare, and agriculture, and prioritizing projects that enhance exports and provide significant employment opportunities. Additionally, the economic recovery fund and other strategies such as domestic tourism promotion, support for e-commerce, and the development of labor-intensive sectors like mining are being pursued. Embracing technology and innovation through startups and small business initiatives is also crucial in enhancing labor productivity and creating job opportunities. As Rwanda navigates the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, initiatives like the partnership between RDB and RTN play a vital role in equipping Rwandans with the skills and knowledge needed to rebuild their lives and contribute to the country's economic recovery. The commitment to providing free online courses underscores the importance of continuous learning and upskilling in preparing individuals for the evolving demands of the job market.