MIPC: Contributing to Rwanda’s Economic Development through Providing Professional Skills
By George Kalisa
Anglican Church of Rwanda founded Muhabura Integrated Polytechnic College (MIPC) continues to live up to its vision of being the premium source for education, workforce training, partnerships and economic development.
Thousands of Rwandans know that Rwanda’s Northern Province based University, located in the heart of Musanze city was started by Muhabura Anglican Church in Shyira Diocese, but a few may know that the education institution’s contribution to economic development puts the Northern Province and country at large on the pedestal.
Apart from boasting of over 300 alumni currently part of Rwanda’s workforce, MIPC has created jobs for hundreds and increased access to relevant education to many that makes them not only more employable but also more skilled.
Over the years MIPC has recorded a steadfast growth in both students’ enrolment and staff recruitment.
This was revealed by Rev. Vital Manirakiza, MIPC Principal in an exclusive interview with The Light Magazine in his office late November.
The Clergyman took an advantage of the moment to highlight the proud accomplishments registered by this educational institution since the Muhabura Anglican Church established it in 2014.
Today, MIPC has at least 1, 270 students at the Secondary level up from 47 pioneer students while 670 study different courses mostly vocational at the University level up from 250 in 2014.
Aside from education infrastructural development the College has for the last seven years of its existence risen to the occasion and become a strong pillar in the training of Rwandans in a wide range of skills, and hence the Northern Province and country at large take pride in its contribution, particularly in building a relevant workforce.
The College’s education system is grounded in workshops that reinforce mastery of skills in student, a departure from one based on theories and rote learning that is insufficient in solving systemic problems including incompetence and unreliability of workers.
“We’ve more workshops, more workshops mean more practice – the practice is above 50%,” remarked Rev. Vital Manirakiza.
During their education life MIPC students regularly do industrial training at different hotels and lodges in Musanze city under formal partnerships formed as a result of the initiative of the University, a principle grounded in its vision.
The hospitality facilities where MIPC students pursuing vocational education go for their workshops include Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One &Only Gorilla’s Nest, Fatima Hotel and HOME INN. In addition, Muhabura Anglican Church owns the Garden Place Hotel where students also attend for their practice sessions.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge is worthy of special mention as it has gone an extra mile by variously supporting MIPC. The high-end hotel currently sponsors 10 students and constructed a state-of-the-art kitchen that greatly changed not only the image of the University but also improved the learning environment for the Culinary Arts students.
Relatedly, MIPC that sits on close to 12ha has massively invested educational infrastructures as it aspires to be the premier for education in Rwanda and region. It’s needless to mention that the efforts have subsequently led to the creation of unmatched learning environment and high standard of the leavers who boast of excellent performance in the job market.
At least 300 students have so far graduated in various domains from this university and excellently give services in both the domestic and foreign markets.
The University is known for its flagship courses such as Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Hospitality and Tourism, Accounting, and Travel and Tourism Management.
In a bid to partner with the Government of Rwanda (GoR) in its efforts to close the skills gap in workforce, MIPC offers short courses in Culinary Arts, Electricity, Masonry and Carpentry.
