The Send-Off Ceremony for the Second Batch of ABE Initiative Participants (20th August, 2015)
On 20th August, the send-off ceremony for the ABE Initiative participants, organized by JICA Rwanda Office, was held at a Hotel 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 men and women to study at Master’s course level in 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. This program aims at human resource development in both private and public sectors in order to cultivate a strong human network between Japan and African States. The expected outcome of the program is a network of potential contributors to the development of Rwanda and Burundi industries who will also lead Japanese private sector to engage further in economic activities in Rwanda and Burundi. Last year, ten Rwandans got the opportunity, and this year six Rwandans and two Burundians will go to Japan.
Mr. Sakamoto, charge d' Affaires ad interim, attended this ceremony and made an opening speech. In his remark, he stated that the number of Rwandans is quite outstanding compare with other African countries, thus it is a good symbol of positive relationship between our two countries. Moreover, he added that he believes all participants have the potential to contribute to the development of Rwanda and Burundi in collaboration with Japanese private sector through master program and internship experiences.
(Left: Mr. Sakamoto, charge d' Affaires ad interim, to giving his opening speech, Right: All participants)
(Commemorative photo)
Mr. Sakamoto, Charge d' Affaires ad interim at the Embassy, Speech