Delivered mainly through EF’s online platforms and mobile apps , the program helps learners build critical language and communication skills. As a result, workers in the industry will be better prepared to deliver high-profile, global events.

A total 221 students graduated recently after attending online classes.

So far, EF is training 4900 students while more 1600 will commence courses in the near future.

The courses are offered by EF Education First in partnership with MasterCard Foundation and Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

Offered courses draw emphasis on tourism as one of major sectors hugely contributing to Rwanda’s GDP.

In 2019, Rwanda earned over US$500 million up from US$300 million of 2014.

At the time, jobs created by tourism sector rose from 89,000 to 164,000.

The Acting Country Manager at EF Education First Rwanda, Oriane Ruzibiza has told IGIHE that the professional training was meant to enhance professionalism in tourism sector.

“These courses were organized for employees in the hospitality and tourism to enhance their fluency in English as one of major components, communication skills and ways of dealing with guests conveniently,” she said.

“They were also enlightened on the features making Rwanda an attractive country so that they can properly attend to and guide anyone seeking their support,” added Ruzibiza.

She explained that the courses are offered to all employees in tourism and hospitality sector serving tourists during their sojourn to Rwanda until their departure.

“We work with RwandAir staff, hotels’ employees, people working at recreational facilities and others with jobs related to tourism who are trained to portray Rwanda’s attractive beauty as they welcome guests,” noted Ruzibiza.

She urged graduates to apply acquired skills efficiently to enhance professionalism and take tourism sector to greater heights.

Graduates commended the training which laid foundation for their professional development.

“I was shy and could not speak to foreign tourists with eloquence because many of them speak English. My English proficiencies have improved significantly that I am able to interact with them easily, send messages on email and place orders,” said Fabrice Liza.

He commended RDB, EF and Mastercard Foundation for ensuring success of the training relevant to his career’s growth.

“I voice appreciation to RDB, Mastercard Foundation and EF for offered courses that sharpened my fluency apparent to everyone interacting with me. Many people who knew me before attending the training have been asking me how I made it in such a short time,” he Liza.

Kayitesi Donna working at Kigali Marriott Hotel thanked EF for the training that made her a fluent English speaker.

“I acquired relevant skills that enhanced my confidence at work. Besides, I chat with foreign guests easily without language barrier. My thanks go to everyone involved in preparations of the training anticipated to impact the tourism and hospitality sector with improved service delivery which also portrays a positive image of our country,” she said.

Courses are offered for free. Interested people can access more details via provided website link:https://www.ef.com/rwanda

About EF Education First (www.ef.com)

Established in 1965 in Sweden with the mission to “open the world through education”, EF is the world’s leading international education company. With a network of more than 52,000 teachers, researchers, and staff in over 600 offices and schools in more than 50 countries, EF is a trusted partner of the leading companies of the world and governments on all continents. EF engages in public-private partnerships globally to create significant positive impact on human capital development as well as the competitiveness of entire industries and countries.

About the Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and management. For more information on the Foundation, please visit: www.mastercardfdn.org

About Rwanda Development Board ( www.rdb.rw)

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a government agency in Rwanda with a vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. Its mission is to fast-track economic development in Rwanda by enabling private sector growth.

The Acting Country Manager at EF Education First Rwanda, Oriane Ruzibiza has said that the professional training was meant to enhance professionalism in tourism sector.

The Acting Country Manager at EF Education First Rwanda, Oriane Ruzibiza handing over certificate to one of graduates, Rachel.