VISIT KIVU ACADEMY

The VISIT KIVU Academy Project is a youth capacity-building initiative established by VISIT KIVU CBC to prepare young people from the Lake Kivu region for employment and entrepreneurship in the growing tourism, hospitality, and blue economy sectors. The Academy will provide practical, industry-oriented training in boat operation and marine maintenance, open-water lifeguarding and water rescue, open-water diving, tour interpretation, and hospitality skills.

Through classroom learning, hands-on field training, mentorship, internships, and partnerships with employers and certification institutions, the project aims to train at least 150 young people annually, with priority given to youth from communities surrounding Lake Kivu. Over its first five years, the initiative aims to directly benefit 750 youth and indirectly support more than 3,000 community members and family dependents through increased employment and household income.

The project targets the creation or improvement of at least 300 jobs and income-generating opportunities within tourism, hotels, boat transport, water recreation, diving, and related services. Expected outcomes include improved maritime and visitor safety, higher-quality tourism and hospitality services, increased professional certification, stronger local participation in Lake Kivu's economy, and the development of youth-led enterprises. Ultimately, VISIT KIVU Academy aims to become a sustainable regional center for tourism, hospitality, and maritime skills, ensuring that the growth of Lake Kivu creates lasting opportunities for local communities.