Aim to meet growing demand for skilled hospitality workers in country

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Hospitality Center, located in Kigali, Rwanda, will train professionals in the hospitality industry while also generating income for Salesian programs in the country. The center has 35 rooms as well as a restaurant and multi-functional hall that will hold up to 600 people.

“We are committed to training the next generation of leaders and innovators in the hospitality industry,” remarked Father Pierre Celestin Ngoboka, provincial superior of the Africa of the Great Lakes Salesian Province, at the opening ceremony on April 26. “Through the training programs at the Don Bosco Hospitality Center, we aim to empower our students with the skills, knowledge and experiences necessary to succeed in this dynamic field.”

The center is offering classroom learning coupled with hands-on preparation through the center’s hospitality services that are open to the public. Fr. Ngoboka explained, “Apart from training, the center is well-positioned to offer quality and advanced hospitality services to all persons who are willing to use the facility. As Rwanda continues to emerge as a hub for tourism and hospitality, the establishment of Don Bosco Hospitality Center represents a significant stride toward meeting the growing demand for skilled talent in the industry.”

The German ambassador to Rwanda, Ambassador Heike Uta Dettmann, praised the center during a speech at the grand opening ceremony and emphasized the importance of vocational training and the service industry in Rwanda’s development. She highlighted the significance of providing hands-on training for youth who may not have had the opportunity to travel or gain practical experience in the hospitality sector.

Dettmann stated, “I’m very happy that the German government is cooperating in financial support with the education system in Rwanda, and this specific jewel of teenage education aligns with the needs of the country and its young population.”

She expressed her belief that investing in youth education is essential for the future of Rwanda, as youth are the driving force behind the country’s development. Dettmann wished the center success and hoped all students would find meaningful employment opportunities upon completing their training.

The construction of the new center was environmentally friendly and was supported by the Salesian Congregation through the Office of the Rector Major, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development-BMZ through Don Bosco Mondo, the Africa of the Great Lakes Salesian Province, and the Procures of Turin and Madrid, among others. To develop the business plan for the center, Salesians partnered with Horwath HTL Interconsult, an international hotel and tourism consultancy in Rwanda.

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Poor youth are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Rwanda – German Ambassador Applauds Opening of Don Bosco Hospitality Centre in Kigali

Salesians of Don Bosco AGL Province Facebook

Salesian Missions – Rwanda

UNICEF – Rwanda