Funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), the three-year programme which aims at improving English language literacy and numeracy among students of primary one, two and three grades (P1, 2 and 3) is jointly being implemented by Education Development Trust, British Council and VSO, the three organisations which designed the programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Rwanda Education Board (REB).
Launching the programme, Minister of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr. Isaac Munyakazi commended DFID as an outstanding partner in Rwanda’s education and said BLF marks “a significant commitment in supporting the development of quality education.”
Munyakazi said that the programme comes at the right time as the recently concluded 15th National Leadership Retreat (Umwiherero) resolved improving quality of education among other resolutions.
“Building Learning Foundations Programme is a very welcome and timely intervention by UKaid. The programme will benefit Rwandan children by building the capacity of English and Mathematics teachers, enhancing school leadership for learning and strengthening the country’s education system,” he said.
British High Commissioner to Rwanda Joanne Lomas hailed Rwanda’s strides in education such as school enrolment at 99% and inclusive education that considers both genders and people with special needs.
“I am delighted to launch the new Building Learning Foundations project. Through this three-year nationwide project, the UK will provide £25.3 million for improved teaching and learning in lower primary grades 1-3 – with a focus on English and Mathematics. BLF is a strategic investment to ensure that all Rwandan children have the foundational skills needed to contribute to continued social and economic development,” she said.
The Programme running until 2021 will provide all English and Mathematics teachers in lower primary grades with toolkits which include self and peer-study books with audio and video material on an SD card, as well as continuous professional development linked to the toolkits. The Programme will also provide capacity development to all Sector and District education officers.
Teachers welcomed the programme saying that it will support them to lead nationwide school improvement.
Georgine Mukarugira, Headteacher of Saint Paul Muko Primary School in Rusizi District, said the programme has made her shift from being school administrators to leaders of learning as her school was considered in BLF’s pilot phase that started in July 2017.
“BLF comes to provide us with the skills and resources to lead on school improvement for learning achievements, to budget, manage school grants, staff and learners, and maintain effective reporting and data management,” she said.
Building Learning Foundations is built on three foundations to ensure sustainable impact by focusing on teacher development, school leadership for learning, and system strengthening. Each foundation has a focus on inclusive education practices for pupils with Special Educational Needs to ensure no child is left behind.
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