BK partners with AMI to train employees with new strategic skills and graduates over 200 staff

As a financial institution looking to improve the quality and profitability of its assets, the Bank of Kigali (BK) joined hands with the African Management Institute (AMI) to foster a productive and employee-focused workplace. The unique knowledge partnership agreement between the two institutions saw 205 employees from the Rwandan leading bank excitedly attend their virtual graduation ceremony last Friday, 26th May 2023, after completing a 4-month skills development program. 

Under the Mastercard Foundation’s Hanga Ahazaza Initiative, Workplace Learning Programmes have been designed to equip customer-facing employees with essential skills and tools to enhance professional growth. Participants have undergone comprehensive training in various areas, including goal setting, time management, communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, project management, supervision, team building, customer care, and sector-specific topics.

“The Workplace Learning Programmes have equipped them with valuable skills and knowledge, enabling them to excel in their roles. I am incredibly proud of everyone who has successfully navigated this journey. At AMI, we support and promote skills development for individuals in the workplace as well as aspiring entrepreneurs. Our partnership with BK is by far the most exceptional collaboration we have had with a financial company. We have already trained over 300 individuals, and we already enrolling 300 more staff into our next intake.” said Malik Shaffy Lizinde, Country Manager of the African Management Institute

The event featured inspiring speeches and testimonials from ‘champion graduates’, these were outstanding participants who demonstrated exceptional commitment by completing more than the required number of courses to graduate from the program. They spoke with passion about the invaluable tools and skills they gained, underscoring the positive impact on their professional lives. Their stories, filled with triumphs over challenges and notable achievements, exemplified the program’s effectiveness and its potential to empower individuals for success.

 These testimonials served as a powerful testament to the program’s ability to equip individuals with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in their respective fields.

“The program has equipped me with valuable skills like teamwork, giving and receiving feedback, and self-confidence. My challenge was improving change management through pre-work, managing transitions and resistance, and developing a change plan. Using AMI’s frameworks and tools, I’ve experienced positive changes such as increased job satisfaction and tool adoption among my team. This program has truly transformed my work approach.” Frank Ndahiro, Operations Manager

An excited Kukunda Allen, a Branch Business Manager who wanted to improve her face-to-face communication skills with humility and prioritization shared how her team successfully adopted the prioritization matrix for organizing their daily tasks and added: “Since completing the program, notable changes have occurred. I now deliver reports promptly, effectively address client queries, and actively practice active listening, resulting in improved customer service and positive outcomes. This program has significantly improved my managerial skills and work performance”

Joseph Kazuungo S. Gondwe, Chief of People and Culture at the Bank of Kigali, conveyed his gratitude for the fruitful partnership between the Bank of Kigali and the African Management Institute. In addition, he extended his congratulations to the graduates. “Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your lives! Remember that this is just the beginning and the possibilities before you are limitless. Believe in your abilities, for you have already proven you can achieve great things. Cherish the connections you have formed during your time as a student. Find your passion and pursue it relentlessly. As you navigate the professional world, embrace resilience and perseverance. Finally, do not forget the importance of self-care and well-being. Your mental, emotional, and physical health are crucial components of a successful and fulfilling life. Prioritize self-reflection, balance, and self-care as you pursue your goals. Congratulations again, and may your future be filled with endless possibilities and remarkable achievements.”

Learn more about the African Management Institute and apply to join its entrepreneurship development and workplace learning programmes at africanmanagers.org/rwanda.