Spearheaded by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation under the One Million Rwandan Coders initiative, this program leverages existing infrastructure, including smart classrooms, youth centres, and Hanga Hubs, to deliver targeted digital skills trainings to secondary school students under general education and TVET and other motivated young people nationwide looking to upskill and/or transition into tech careers..
The program is designed to bridge the digital skills gap, a critical step toward realizing Rwanda's Second National Strategy for Transformation, which emphasizes building a digitally adept workforce and fostering job creation for the country's youth.
By transforming underutilized holiday periods into opportunities for hands-on, project-based learning, Smart Ibiruhuko ensures equitable access to skills that will prepare participants for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The initiative's scope is ambitious yet practical, leveraging partnerships with global tech leaders like; Cisco , ALX , Huawei, Oracle, Udacity and DTP (Digital Talent Program) and others to deliver a curriculum tailored to various skill levels and career aspirations.
Smart Ibiruhuko offers three distinct learning tracks, each carefully curated to fit within the two-month holiday window. The first track focuses on basic digital literacy, equipping participants with foundational skills for everyday and workplace technology use through programs like the Digital Competence Passport and UNICEF-supported INGAZI and Passport2Earning.
The second track introduces beginner-level coding and technical skills, including Python, JavaScript, data analysis, IoT technologies, and UI/UX design, laying the groundwork for future studies or careers in tech. The third track explores emerging technologies like applied AI and includes an English communication module to enhance workplace readiness and digital thinking.
What sets Smart Ibiruhuko apart is its emphasis on practical, collaborative learning. Participants engage in group projects, school competitions, and presentation coaching, fostering not only technical expertise but also critical soft skills like teamwork and communication.
By utilizing existing smart classrooms and certified learning centers, the program ensures that young Rwandans from diverse backgrounds can access high-quality training without geographic or economic barriers.
This initiative reflects Rwanda's broader commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy, aligning with the country's Vision 2050 aspirations.
Through Smart Ibiruhuko, Rwanda is not only equipping its youth with the tools to thrive in a digital world but also positioning itself as a regional hub for innovation and technology.
As the program unfolds across the nation, it promises to ignite a spark in the next generation, preparing them to lead Rwanda's digital future with confidence and creativity.
IGIHE
