Competency- Based Curriculum in Tourism and Hospitality: A Practical Model for Rwanda

Nelson Mbarushimana – University of Tourism Technology and Business Studies, Rwanda mbarushimananelson65@gmail.com
Elizabeth Role University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, Kenya bethrole@gmail.com
Vencie Allida University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, Kenya vencieallida@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: This study investigated implementation and perceived impact of competency-based curriculum in tourism and hospitality on the workforce preparedness in Southern Province, Rwanda. This study was guided by constructivism theory. The study used concurrent mixed methods and the respondents (graduates of VTCs) were purposively selected. The findings revealed that teachinglearning process, identification of competencies and assessment were the predictors of workforce preparedness. The study recommended that MBAROVE model be used to guide proper implementation of competency-based curriculum in VTCs offering tourism and hospitality courses in culinary arts in Rwanda. It also recommends that this model gets subjected to scrutiny to establish functionability in other environments. The study suggested that a similar work be done at national level in all TVETs and that the Ministry of Education provide training to national curriculum developers that enhance global competitiveness in competency-based curriculum.