The Send-Off Ceremony for the First Batch of ABE Initiative Participants (3rd September, 2014)
On 3rd September, the send-off ceremony for ABE Initiative (African Business Education Initiative for the Youth) participants, organized by JICA Rwanda office, was held at the Hotel des Mille Collins in Kigali. ABE Initiative was endorsed by Prime Minister Abe at TICAD V in June 2013 in Yokohama. The Japanese Government will receive a total of one thousand African youth in five years. It offers opportunities for young and eligible African citizens to study at Master’s courses level at Japanese universities as international students and to experience internships at Japanese enterprises in order to develop effective skills and knowledge in various fields for contributing to the development of industries in Africa.
Ambassador Ogawa attended this ceremony and made an opening remark. In his speech, he stated that he is so glad because Rwanda was chosen as one of the countries for the first batch, and 10 Rwandan young people have got this opportunity. In addition, he added that he would like them to have many fruitful experiences through living in Japan, not only in academic fields but also in several Japanese culture aspects as well, and to cultivate a strong human network between Japan and Rwanda.
Youth and ICT Minister Hon. Nsengimana and Cabinet Affairs Minister Hon. Mugabo also attended. Youth and ICT Minister Hon. Nsengimana said in his speech, it seems that most of the students are going to study about ICT and geothermal energy, ICT sector is critical to boost our economic growth, and in terms of geothermal energy sector Japan is a leading country. Thus, he encouraged participants to become leading players in ICT and energy sectors. Cabinet Affairs Minister Hon. Mugabo who had an experience of JICA short-term training in Japan expressed the efficiency of the JICA training. Moreover, she told the participants to try to be good ambassadors in order to introduce Rwanda to Japanese.
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(Left: Ambassador Ogawa having a conversation with some participants, Right: Opening remarks from Ambassador Ogawa, Youth and ICT Minister Nsengimana, Cabinet Affairs Minister Mugabo and President of JAAR)
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(Left: Giving ABE Initiative goods by Ambassador Ogawa, Right: Group Photo)