Unit 7: Imyunga (Professions)

Traditionally, professions in Rwanda were clan based. Family members used to be trained, from young age, by the parents in their home compound. For example if my parents were potters, I would be trained to make pots. Then, pass the acquired skills to my children who will also transmit them to their children, and so on and so forth. Traditional jobs mostly practiced in rural areas are generally farming. However, some are traders, blacksmith, fishermen (Western and Eastern regions), builders, carpenters, traditional beer makers, and craftsmen.

But because of the education which has been introduced in the country about a couple of centuries ago, people go to school and get skill-based orientation which will lead individuals to different professions or jobs. Various skills required for those professions are formally acquired from schools, short courses and on job training. Modern jobs generally practiced in the cities by educated people are that of a teacher, preachers, doctor and nurse, lawyer, engineer, technicians, banker, treasurers, agriculturists, social worker, office assistant, accountant, businessman, politician, military, policeman, etc.