1. Rationale
Aligned with SDG 4 and SDG 8, this Call for Proposals seeks to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a driver of inclusive education, lifelong learning, and decent work in Rwanda.
TVET is vital for Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation as envisioned in Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). It equips youth with practical, market-driven skills that foster employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation thereby supporting inclusive growth and poverty reduction.
Despite commendable progress including the establishment of the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) and adoption of Competency-Based Training (CBT) challenges persist: limited infrastructure and equipment, weak alignment with labor market demands, inadequate internship and job placement systems, and insufficient trainer capacity.
As the Philanthropic arm of BK Group Plc, BK Foundation prioritizes education as a key enabler of national development. Through this CFP, the Foundation aims to support innovative organizations and institutions that enhance access to quality TVET, strengthen institutional capacity, promote inclusion (especially for women and persons with disabilities), and create pathways for decent and sustainable employment.
2. Background
The BK Foundation, established in 2023, drives inclusive and sustainable development under three pillars:
- Education: Promoting quality learning and skills development;
- Empowerment: Advancing entrepreneurship and financial inclusion; and
- Environmental Conservation – Supporting climate resilience and awareness.
Within the Education Pillar, TVET plays a central role in bridging education and employment. While Rwanda has achieved progress in TVET expansion and quality enhancement, persistent gaps in training relevance, gender inclusion, and job market linkages limit its full impact.
This Call seeks to identify qualified partners including NGOs, accredited TVET schools, and social enterprises to implement scalable, inclusive, and innovative TVET initiatives that:
- Improve quality and accessibility of vocational training;
- Strengthen partnerships between TVET institutions and employers;
- Promote entrepreneurship and employability; and
- Support lifelong learning and decent work for youth across Rwanda.
Through this initiative, BK Foundation reaffirms its commitment to empowering Rwandans with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a modern, inclusive, and sustainable economy.
3. Objectives of the Call for Proposal
- Expand access to TVET for youth facing socio-economic barriers
- Integrate gender and disability inclusion (GEDSI)
- Strengthen pathways to employment and entrepreneurship
- Build institutional capacity for sustainable TVET delivery
4. About the Grant
A. Objective
Equip 200 youth facing socio-economic barriers with employable skills, internships, or entrepreneurship opportunities within one year.
B. Scope of support
- Scholarships for tuition and training
- Start-up toolkits for graduates
- Facilitation of internships and apprenticeships
- GEDSI-inclusive access to training
- Capacity building for partner institutions
C. Funding Terms
- Total grant: Fifty Million Rwandan Francs (RWF 50,000,000), excluding co-funding
- Duration: 12 months
- Disbursement: Phased, linked to milestones (e.g., beneficiary selection, training progress, toolkit distribution)
D. Expected Deliverables
- 200 youth facing socio-economic barriers, enrolled with scholarships
- 200 start-up toolkits distributed
- Documented evidence of internships/job placements
- At least 50% female participation
- Actively promote the inclusion of youth with disabilities
- Employer partnerships established
- Sustainability plan developed
E. Monitoring & Reporting
- Quarterly narrative and financial reports
- Beneficiary data disaggregated by gender and disability
- Site visits by BK Foundation
- Final evaluation report covering scholarships, toolkits, and employment outcomes
F. Sustainability
- Support for immediate income generation (toolkits)
- Capacity building of institutions
- Integration of GEDSI principles
- Employer partnerships for long-term placement pipelines
5. Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be:
- Legally registered Rwandan NGOs, social enterprises, or accredited TVET schools
- With minimum 3 years of proven experience in TVET delivery, youth empowerment, or scholarship management
- Operating with adequate infrastructure, qualified trainers, and strong financial/program management systems
Disqualification:
- Lack of legal registration
- Ongoing legal disputes
- Incomplete documentation
Required Documents:
- Legal registration certificates
- Audited accounts
- Organizational profile
- Curricula and trainer qualifications
- Policies on gender, disability, and inclusion
Partnerships with employers and co-financing capacity are highly valued.
6. Technical Evaluation Criteria
| Criteria |
Weight (%) |
| Management Approach |
20 % |
| Past Experience |
30 % |
| Technical Approach |
30 % |
| Sustainability & Impact |
20 % |
GEDSI integration and cost-effectiveness will be cross-cutting considerations.
7. Evaluation Process Overview
The review will include:
- Eligibility screening
- Technical evaluation
- Due diligence (site visits or interviews, if applicable)
- Final selection
8. How to Apply
Applicants must submit complete proposals (technical, financial, and administrative documents) in a one compiled PDF format in English or Kinyarwanda.
- Technical Proposal: Organizational overview, past experience, curriculum design, training methodology, GEDSI integration, implementation plan, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability strategy.
- Financial Proposal: Detailed budget, justification, financial controls, and matching contribution (in cash or in-kind).
- Administrative Documents: Registration certificates, tax compliance, audited accounts, staff CVs, partnership letters, and policy documents.
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
9. Submission Method and Deadlines
Applications must be submitted through the official BK Foundation portal by clicking the “Apply” button on the RFP announcement page.
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Deadline: 31st October 2025, 5:00 PM (Kigali Time)
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Format: Electronic submissions only through the BK Foundation website (https://bkfoundation.rw/)
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Note: Late submissions will not be considered
10. Questions and Clarifications
- Submit queries to bkfoundation@bk.rw by 28th October 2025, 5:00 PM (Kigali Time)
- Official responses will be issued by 15 November 2025