Abstract: Youth unemployment remains a major challenge in Rwanda, requiring education systems to better equip graduates with entrepreneurial competencies and pathways to self-reliance. This study examined the effect of entrepreneurial program management on the self-reliance of vocational school graduates in Nyaruguru District, Rwanda. Specifically, it assessed the effectiveness of entrepreneurial skills development, post-training support systems, and private sector collaboration in promoting graduate self-reliance. Guided by Human Capital Theory and Empowerment Theory, the study adopted a mixed-methods research design. The target population comprised 1,936 participants, including vocational school head teachers, entrepreneurship trainers, private sector entrepreneurs, and TVET graduates. A sample of 296 respondents (264 graduates, 16 trainers, 12 private sector entrepreneurs, and 4 head teachers) was selected. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 28 through descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings showed that entrepreneurial skills development was moderately effective, with business plan preparation receiving the highest rating (Mean = 4.08). Post-training support systems were generally weak, particularly mentorship (Mean = 2.22) and access to startup financing (Mean = 2.45). Private sector collaboration was also moderately effective, with internships and apprenticeships rated highest (Mean = 3.35). Correlation and regression analyses revealed that all three entrepreneurial program management components significantly influenced graduate self-reliance. Post-training support systems had the strongest effect (r = .590, β = .392), followed by entrepreneurial skills development (r = .551, β = .296) and private sector collaboration (r = .435, β = .143). Collectively, the three variables explained 45.7% of the variation in graduate self-reliance (R² = .457, p < .001). The study concludes that strengthening entrepreneurial program management can significantly enhance the self-reliance of TVET graduates. It recommends improving practical entrepreneurship training, establishing structured post-training support systems, expanding access to startup financing, and strengthening formal partnerships between TVET institutions and the private sector to enhance internships, mentorship, curriculum relevance, workplace learning, and employment opportunities.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Programme, Management Practices, Self-Reliance, Vocational School Graduates, Nyaruguru District.
Title: Effectiveness of Entrepreneurial Programme Management Practices on Enhancing Self-Reliance among Vocational School Graduates in Nyaruguru District, Rwanda
Author: Imanishimwe Olivier, Dr. Mugiraneza Faustin
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 14, Issue 3, July 2026 - September 2026
Page No: 161-176
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 30-July-2026
