On September 2nd, 2025, Rwanda’s wood sector celebrated a historic achievement with the launch of the bilingual Carpentry Workbook, developed in the past 2,5 years by proWOOD/ proWOOD+ in collaboration with Rubengera TSS, RTB, RP, RWVCA and STECOMA.
For the first time, core carpentry knowledge is accessible in both Kinyarwanda and English, enhanced with over 300 locally hand-drawn illustrations. The workbook introduces carpentry terminology in Kinyarwanda, bridges theory with practice, and provides access to a digital library containing worksheets, videos, and audio files. All materials are optimized for offline use with low-cost solar systems, ensuring accessibility even in remote areas.
Created over 2.5 years with input from more than 20 national and international carpenters, the workbook will serve as a valuable tool for vocational schools, workplace training, and RPL programs across Rwanda. The vision is clear: to see this book in the hands of carpenters and on the tables of technical schools nationwide.
Bringing Skills to Life Together by Strong Partnerships
This achievement was made possible through the dedicated support of numerous partners: private sector companies, Rubengera TSS, STECOMA, RWVCA, RTB, RP, GIZ SD4T/IAF, BuBiZa Kassel, Dedicative Productions, and, most importantly, the many carpenters and experts who contributed their knowledge and skills.
The initiative is part of proWOOD/proWOOD+, a twinning project within the PartnerAfrica program/Invest for Jobs, implemented by Internationaler Bund e.V. (IB) and supported by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) via Sequa (Germany). Their commitment and collaboration were crucial in making this authentic African carpentry workbook a reality.