IMPACT OF TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION ON YOUTH REFUGEES EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT IN RWANDA: A CASE STUDY OF MUGOMBWA REFUGEES CAMP

Abstract

This study, titled impact of Technical and Vocational Education on Youth Refugee Employment Development in Rwanda: A Case of Mugombwa Refugees Camp, the study aimed to evaluate how various technical and vocational education programs impact employment development among youth refugees. Covering 488 youth refugees in Mugombwa Refugees Camp with a sample size of 220 selected through stratified sampling, the study utilized descriptive and explanatory research designs and collected data via questionnaires, interviews, and documentary reviews. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed for analysis. The findings reveal that technical and vocational education significantly enhances employment development. Skills training had the strongest effect, with a regression coefficient of 0.567 (p-value = 0.000), indicating a substantial improvement in

employment outcomes. Language and literacy training followed with a coefficient of 0.413 (p- value = 0.000), and entrepreneurship training also showed a positive impact with a coefficient

of 0.243 (p-value = 0.000). Internship and job placement services had a smaller yet significant effect (β = 0.014, p-value = 0.000), while psychosocial support (β = 0.078, p-value = 0.000) and life skills training (β = 0.183, p-value = 0.000) contributed positively as well. The study concluded that 84.2% of the variance in employment development among youth refugees could be attributed to these six key factors, with a 95% confidence interval, as indicated by the R Square value. The study recommended that management of Mugombwa Camp should consider offering mentorship programs to ensure that the knowledge gained is effectively applied in real-world situations of youth refugees.