Don Bosco Tech Africa Concludes National Quality Management Workshop in Kigali

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU

Kigali, Rwanda — Don Bosco Tech Africa has successfully concluded a five-day National Quality Management Systems (QMS) workshop in Kigali, aimed at strengthening the capacity of its Don Bosco TVET institutions across Rwanda to implement and sustain high standards of quality based on ISO 9001:2015. This significant training underscores the organization’s commitment to enhancing the quality of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) provided by Don Bosco TVET institutions for young people in Rwanda.

Led by Mr. Michael Otiato, a QMS specialist from Elplat Technologies Ltd., the workshop brought together Don Bosco TVET managers, staff, private and public partners, and key stakeholders. The focus was on practical strategies for integrating quality into daily operations, moving beyond theoretical concepts to ensure sustainable improvement.

Father Callixte Ukwitegetse, Provincial TVET Coordinator emphasized the importance of quality management principles.

“This training has equipped us with the tools to identify gaps and non-conformities within our systems. Once we recognize these areas, we can plan effectively, act accordingly, and monitor progress to meet our standards and satisfy our students and partners,” he remarked.

He further added that continuous and systematic evaluation is critical to maintaining and improving quality standards.

Participants engaged in sessions covering the core principles of ISO 9001, including customer focus, leadership, evidence-based decision-making, and continual improvement. They learned how to conduct internal audits, evaluate system performance, and manage risks and opportunities — all essential skills for fostering a robust culture of quality within Don Bosco TVET institutions.

Kamau Joseph, Project Officer at Don Bosco Tech Africa, explained the broader context: “This workshop represents a vital step toward establishing a national framework for quality management in Don Bosco TVET institutions across Rwanda. Our goal is to produce graduates who are highly skilled, industry-ready, and capable of making meaningful contributions to Rwanda’s socio-economic growth,” he stated.

Participants expressed confidence that they could now apply the knowledge gained during the training to improve processes and institutional effectiveness. Leonidas Nzaramyimana from Don Bosco Muhazi highlighted the importance of strong leadership and well-structured organizational processes: “Building a culture of quality is essential for producing competent graduates. This training has provided us with practical tools to ensure continuous improvement,” he said.

The workshop emphasized cultivating a “culture of quality” through the application of the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle, encouraging institutions to make quality a core value embedded in their day-to-day activities.

As the training wrapped up today, attendees shared a collective commitment to implementing these practices within their respective institutions. They are now better prepared to lead quality initiatives, improve training standards, and enhance student outcomes across Rwanda’s Don Bosco TVET sector.

This initiative is part of Don Bosco Tech Africa’s strategic plan to promote quality assurance and continuous improvement mechanisms across its member institutions. By strengthening quality frameworks, Don Bosco strives to deliver high-caliber training, produce job-ready graduates, and contribute significantly to youth employment and socio-economic development in Rwanda and beyond.

Don Bosco Tech Africa’s ongoing focus on quality education reinforces its mission to transform lives through skill development and lifelong learning, ensuring that the youth it serves are equipped for meaningful employment and personal success.