Over 195,000 students are sitting for this year’s ordinary level and senior six national exams that kicked off countrywide on Tuesday 20th July 2021.
These include 122,000 from ordinary level, over 50,000 are completing senior six excluding 22,000 finalists from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The National Examinations and Schools Inspection Authority (NESA) has revealed that 20 of 106 students who tested positive for COVID-19 are from the City of Kigali.
The Director General of NESA, Dr. Bahati Bernard has said that these students are receiving special assistance to sit for exams in designated isolation rooms.
He further stated that transport arrangement for these students from home to examination centers and vice versa has been put in place to ensure they don’t miss exams.
“We made possible efforts to ensure no student misses exams because he/she is COVID-19 positive. We issued guidelines to be respected as we did previously,” said Dr. Bahati.
Apart from COVID-19 positive students, NESA has explained that other candidates are also facilitated to adhere to instituted measures to prevent spread of the virus.
As she officially officiated the start of primary six national exams on Monday 12th July 2021; the Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya explained that the situation was unpredictable but commended public collaboration which led to smooth preparations.
“These learners would have sat for exams in November last year but there has been delays occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic. We were not sure if it would happen at this time due to emerging circumstances but we are happy for today’s blessing as students finally sit for national exams,” she said.
“Exams starting today will last three days. More students in ordinary level and upper secondary school finalists will begin exams on 20th July expected to last 10 days.We continue to make possible effort to ensure they don’t miss exams,” added Uwamariya.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. In a bid to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, the Government ordered the closure of all schools that saw all students returning home in March 2020.
Universities and higher learning institutions were allowed to reopen in September 2020 under strict COVID-19 control measures.
In October 2020, the Ministry of Education announced 2nd November as the reopening date for learners in primary 5 and 6 classes. Students from ordinary level, senior 5 and 6 also resumed studies the same day.
The second batch started the second term on 23rd November 2020. This includes learners in primary 4 classes, and secondary school students from senior 1, 2 and 4.
Following the crisis, national exams were also postponed to July 2021.
At least 452,053 are expected to sit for all national exams running from 12th to 30th July 2021.
The virtual graduation ceremony took place on Friday 18th June 2021 in adherence to the COVID-19 preventive measures.
The graduates were supposed to complete their studies in 2020, but this was not possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These graduates are from Akilah Institute, one of the two colleges of Davis College which focuses on empowerment of women.
The Interim President of Davis College, Paul Swaga revealed that the graduates have been equipped with all the necessary skills relevant to make them successful at the workplace.
“I expect a lot from these graduates because we have prepared them well enough. I am convinced that they will bring positive changes at the workplace. Some of them have conceptualized projects which they are set to implement, thus, impacting the community through job creation,” he noted.
Swaga explained that the graduates will also play a bigger role in the transformation of the lives of other women who did not get the opportunity to study at Davis College and Akilah.
“ When some of these graduates start their own businesses, they will impact the community as more women will get job opportunities. Others who will work with various companies are also expected to deliver efficiently because they have been equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge,” he revealed.
Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes, a co-founder of Davis College and Akilah who graced the graduation ceremony thanked graduates for exhibiting team work amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.
“ You have exhibited strength , resilience and togetherness, team work spirit, developed your leadership, management and other impactful skills bringing changes to the community amidst uncertainties brought by the pandemic. This has been an unusual year. We commend you for soldiering on in difficult times,” she said.
The State Minister at the Ministry of Education in Charge of TVET and ICT , Irere Claudette who was the guest of honour at the event, congratulated graduates and thanked the school for helping students during difficult times.
“This year has presented unusual circumstances to all of us, particularly to the education sector. We voice appreciation for your courage and achievements. I would also like to commend the management of Davis College and Akilah for helping graduates to complete their journey successfully,” she said.
Graduates expressed delight for acquiring the knowledge relevant for them to effectively compete at the labour market.
“I am extremely happy for this great achievement despite the tough moments and sleepless nights we went through. I am ready to deliver on the expectations along my professional career,” said Iqra Naeem, the Valedictorian for the Class of 2020
Another graduate, Mari Grace Ishimwe also highlighted that the school unleashed her potential to break social and cultural constraints which limit girls from performing to their full potential.
“I was pleased to join the institute as soon as I realized its uniqueness. I became self-confident and attended the ICT program which many assume not to be suitable for girls. I exhibited good performance, and I am ready to compete at the labour market,” she revealed.
The school has graduated eight intakes since 2010.
In September 2020, Davis College launched another college for both male and female students which operates alongside the Akilah Institute.
Davis College graduates students with diplomas in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Information Systems, and Business Management & Entrepreneurship.
Siyavula opened doors to Rwanda in 2020. It already has operations in Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa where it helps students to attend exercises in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics to students from Senior 1 to 4.
A student registered under the technology, is required to visit Siyavula website where she/he can attend to exercises related to designated courses.
The platform has questions and default answers to guide students.
The technology helps students to revise courses and teachers to identify areas that need much attention.
Students from King David Academy who talked to IGIHE have revealed that the technology is helpful to their education.
“This technology helps me to prepare for exams and attend to enough exercises to get deeper understanding especially in Physics,” said Sesonga Brian Bugingo.
“ Siyavula has been helpful to me especially during the lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. When a student didn’t catch everything in class, Siyavula helps to get further exercises to get familiar with particular module,” noted Anaise Norah Umwangange, a first year student.
Nawugaba Stephen, a teacher of Physics at the school has explained that Siyavula helps him to assess how students have understood the course.
“Siyavula has many exercises which I use to gauge how students understood explanations. I take them to the computer lab for practice and allocate more time until there is no gap,” he said.
Currently, Siyavula works with nine schools in Rwanda including King David Academy, Lycée Notre Dame de Cîteaux, Collège Saint André, Groupe Scolaire Gahini, Group Scolaire Nsanga, Groupe Scolaire Duha, Groupe Scolaire Bumba, Group Scolaire Juru and Group Scolaire Bigugu.
Over 21 000 students from 800 schools in Rwanda have signed up to Siyavula.
During a recent visit held at King David Academy on 29th April 2021, the company’s management said that they plan to introduce the technology to all schools if everything goes well.
“We have faced several challenges to introduce the technology whereby many schools don’t have internet while others have inadequate computers. That is why we started with private schools and others with adequate resources. We are however planning to introduce the technology to all schools in Rwanda,” explained Chiara Walsh, the Project Manager at Siyavula Rwanda.
Habimana Jean Damascene, one of representatives of Siyavula Rwanda highlighted that the technology paves the way for improved performance and urged more schools to embrace it because it is free of charge for students.
Interested users make registration via rw.siyavula.com to enjoy the technology.
Siyavula also organizes monthly competitions where it awards outstanding teachers and students with smartphones and airtime.
The company is also planning for another competition scheduled in June 2021 to award outstanding teachers and students with different prizes including a laptop as the grand prize.
Students or teachers interested to learn about Siyavula can reach the company on 0789 068 321.
Shule ERP is a program developed by Loxotech, a company providing digital solutions in Rwanda.
The program is used by nursery schools, primary and secondary schools and universities to enhance teaching, streamline finance management and follow up students’ discipline.
It also helps parents to follow up students’ performance while at school, helps students to revise studies made available on the portal or attend online classes using the portal anytime.
Among others, the technology helps in finance management, facilitating easy monitoring of students who have already paid fees. Students can pay using Mastercard or Visa Card without necessity to queue at banks.
Through its annual initiative dubbed ‘Innovating Education in Africa Expo’ aimed at recognizing outstanding projects promoting innovation in the education sector.
Through its program dubbed ‘Innovating Education in Africa Expo’ aimed at recognizing outstanding projects promoting innovation in the education sector, AU selected Shule ERP among 50 best digital solutions.
The Innovating Education in Africa Expo was launched in 2018. This year’s edition focused on innovators below the age of 35.
Speaking to IGIHE, the CEO of Loxotech, Olivier Nshizirungu said they were selected among 50 best digital solutions in Africa out of 300 contestants.
“We entered the contest in August 2020 that attracted the participation of 300 digital solutions providers from different African countries. Lucky enough, we emerged among 50 outstanding projects,” she said.
Nshizirungu explained that the idea behind the portal was to provide affordable digital solution facilitating education.
“We decided to develop the digital solution to address challenges of existing costly solutions restricting users in one way or another,” he said.
The developed program also helps students to attend examinations without necessarily being present physically.
The program developed by Rwandans has so far been rolled out to other African countries including Guinea, Ethiopia, and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Minister Uwamariya revealed this yesterday as she carried out an inspection to establish how schools are implementing COVID-19 preventive measures.
As she commented on school timetable in Kigali city, Dr. Uwamariya explained that students studying upcountry have advanced courses compared to colleagues in Kigali and stressed the need for an alternative to catch up.
“We will extend study hours for students in Kigali. We also want to schedule courses on Saturday to catch up,” she said.
Dr. Uwamariya revealed that emphasis will be drawn to students preparing to sit for national exams.
“We shall draw attention to students preparing to sit for national exams. They will be helped through special preparations. We are aware and worried of delayed courses but we shall evaluate their progress so that we can incorporate missed course units in next phases before sitting for national exams,” she noted.
The cabinet meeting of 19th February 2021 allowed all schools (public and private) to reopen after a month of closure due to Coronavirus containment measures.
Following cabinet resolutions, the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) released a statement encouraging parents to prepare children for schools’ reopening on Tuesday 23rd February 2021.
Finalists in primary schools, ordinary level and senior six are expected to sit for national exams in July 2021.
Dr. Uwamariya made the request yesterday as she visited Groupe Scolaire Remera Catholique inspecting how schools are implementing COVID-19 preventive measures.
The cabinet meeting of 19th February 2021 allowed all schools (public and private) to reopen after a month of closure due to Coronavirus containment measures.
Following cabinet resolutions, the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) released a statement encouraging parents to prepare children for schools’ reopening on Tuesday 23rd February 2021.
Groupe Scolaire Remera Catholique accommodates 2053 students from primary and secondary school classes.
Minister Uwamariya revealed that overcrowding remains a challenge among first year classes and stressed need to seek a feasible solution.
“There is overcrowding in first year classes which you have also seen at this school. We however, need to address it. This situation requires the school to make diligent preparations drawing emphasis on main courses lest children’s level of education is held back. Students can later study general education courses in next classes,” she said.
The head teacher at Groupe Scolaire Remera Catholique, Mujawamariya Odette, has explained that students will attend classes on rotational basis (morning and afternoon shifts) to tackle overcrowding.
In order to address overcrowding and reduce exhausting walks to reach schools, the Government of Rwanda started the construction of 22,505 classrooms and 31,932 latrines countrywide in June 2020.
As of today, construction activities stand at 92%.
The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) recently announced the placement over 17,000 teachers without requirement to sit for entry exams.
The development to scrap off teacher entry exams was meant to address the shortage of teachers needed in primary and secondary schools following the increase in classrooms countrywide.
Students at Groupe Scolaire Nyagatare and Musheri who spoke to Flash Fm, have revealed that lacking teachers for some courses leaves them behind and jeopardizes quality education.
“We no longer study ICT. The teacher of ICT was transferred to another school but has not been replaced. They promised us to get a solution but nothing has been done,” said one student.
“Teachers have not returned due to COVID-19. As a result, some classes don’t have teachers that one teacher assists five to six classes,” added another student.
The vice mayor for social affairs in Nyagatare district, Murekatete Juliette has explained that the matter was reported to Rwanda Education Board (REB) and requested schools to work with available teachers.
“The district firstly provided the number of required teachers. Some of requested teachers have arrived but others have not yet come that it requires quick action,” she said.
The Deputy Director General in charge of teacher development and management at REB, Nsengiyumva Jean Damascene has told IGIHE that they expect the placement of teachers in the 4th batch not later than March 2021.
“We are planning for the next placement soon. There is a team delegated to assess the status of teachers’ gaps across districts. Following the inspection, teachers on pending list will get placement,” he noted.
Nsengiyumva revealed that teachers will have been sent to Nyagatare by March based on numbers of required teachers in districts.
Figures show that Nyagatare district received 666 out of 800 teachers needed in primary schools. Among others, the district needs more 200 teachers in secondary schools to bridge existing gap.
Akimitoni was initially a primary school and became Groupe Scolaire Akimitoni in 2011 as the Government of Rwanda introduced Nine Year Basic Education program.
It is now ten years since the program was introduced but students have never used computers at the school.
Students told IGIHE, they only cover theoretical part of ICT skills course, or sometimes walk over 5 kilometers to use computers from another school.
Niringiyimana Désiré, a student at G.S Akimitoni says, he has touched a computer five times only since he went to the school.
“It is unfortunate that I have used computer five times only since I joined the school three years ago. We don’t have computer skills because we only cover theoretical part without practical session. To this end, we cannot properly attend to homework requiring us to check online sources,” he said.
Dukuzumuremyi Elisa, 17, says he is not able to identify different parts of a computer’s hardware.
Another student, Iradukunda Esta has said that the lack of computers at the school pushed her to change course options in advanced level.
“We only study ICT theories that we don’t apply. I had planned to study Computer Science in advanced level but poor education especially in ICT has prompted me to change options because I cannot compete with others yet I am starting from scratch,” he said.
Mukawera José has also revealed that he used a computer four times within three years noting that some of his colleagues didn’t get a single chance to use computers.
Hitimana Jean Baptiste, a teacher of ICT at G.S Akimitoni says he struggles to teach the course without computer.
“I sometimes take students to G.S Kabatwa to access computers. It takes time to reach the school and return which delays or cancels attendance to other courses on timetable. In some cases, prefer to go there over the weekend but not all students are available as a matter of beliefs,” he said.
“I am supposed to teach Excel component but there are no equipment. I am currently using the laptop of the head teacher but my timetable ends after showing two or three students. I seem to be doing nothing because showing how Microsoft Excel to 3 out of 45 students is shameful,” added Hitimana.
They have appealed for Government support to get computers.
The head teacher of G.S Akimitoni, Sebatware Gabriel has explained that concerned officials were informed of the problem.
“It is known that the school has no computers because we didn’t have enough rooms,” he said.
Sebatware said the school was supposed to receive computers in 2019 but lacked space for computer lab.
He expressed optimism that the issue will be addressed soon because rooms have been completed.
The mayor of Nyabihu district, Mukandayisenga Antoinette has told IGIHE that she is aware of the problem highlighting that the school will receive computers after making preparations.
“It is a worrying situation that children don’t have computers. The problem had persisted because the school didn’t have rooms reserved for computer lab but these rooms have been constructed. They will receive computers soon as they finish setting up all required equipment including desks and tables,” she explained.
The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) recently announced that students will be subject to some conditions including rotation of courses, reducing study time to avoid overcrowding as part of ongoing measures to prevent spread of Coronavirus pandemic.
Students at Kagarama Catholique have told Rwanda Television that rotation system might affect their performance during national examinations.
“Studying in shifts, given a large number of students and shortage of classrooms, affects us as we prepare for national examinations. It is disrupting courses and timetable,” said Munezero Kevin.
Other students explained that they study in haste that teachers sometimes forget to catch up suspended course units.
The Acting Director General of Rwanda Education Board (REB), Dr Sebaganwa Alphonse explained that studying five hours is normal and aligns with prepared timetable.
“Weeks of the academic year are counted taking into account minimal hours students should spend in class to cover the entire curricula. That is five hours. We have no students spending below three hours. It is better to stay in class for more than five hours because students use that time to revise and do many exercises,” he said.
“It is clear that everyone stands chance to win, but depends on teacher’s performance. However, studying on rotational basis is recommended as per current plan,” added Dr Sebaganwa.
Students from senior 3 and 6 are expected to sit for National exams in July 2021.
