Category: Education

USAID hands over state-of-the-art audio-visual studio to Rwanda Education Board

{The United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) handed over a state-of-the-art audio-visual studio worth US $51,076 to the Rwanda Education Board (REB). Since 2011 USAID’s Literacy, Language, and Learning (L3) Initiative has worked in partnership with the Rwanda Education Board (REB) and the University of Rwanda’s College of Education to strengthen the quality of education and ensure that children leave primary school equipped with foundational literacy and numeracy skills. }

Support from the L3 initiative included the development of a comprehensive package of Kinyarwanda, Mathematics, and English print and interactive audio materials, accompanied by teacher training to improve teaching and learning in Primary 1-4 classrooms across the country. Nearly 2 million learners nationwide have benefited from the L3 program.

L3 furnished the studio to record the interactive audio lessons that are played in classrooms, as well as to produce interactive video-based resource packs used by the REB’s School-Based Mentoring Program. Resources in the specially designed audio-visual studio include cameras, microphones and headphones, computers, and other editing and recording equipment.

“L3 is handing the studio over to REB at the right time, especially with the implementation of the competence-based curriculum this year,” explained REB Director General, Janvier Gasana. The Director General added, “As the L3 initiative demonstrated, we can use technology to make learning interesting and fun.”

“The United States has appreciated the productive collaboration with the Rwanda Education Board to date, and is committed to continued partnership with the Government of Rwanda to strengthen teaching and learning in Rwanda,” said Marcia Musisi-Nkambwe, Mission Director for USAID in Rwanda.

The symbolic handover ceremony was held at the studio, which is located within the REB offices, and was attended by L3 representatives along with officials from the Ministry of Education and USAID.

November 18, 2016
Rwanda hunts for professors as Makerere remains closed

{Amidst controversy on remuneration of academic staff in Uganda’s public universities, Rwanda’s leading university is hunting for professors with alluring packages.}

The University of Kigali needs professors of marketing, accounting, finance, information technology, procurement and law. Other positions advertised are for a dean and a director of quality assurances.

“The positions will attract a competitive salary, commensurate to the demonstrable record of substantial contribution to research and scholarship; excellence and leadership in academic teaching and professional achievement,” the university said in an advert published in New Vision on Friday.

The announcement, according to higher education experts is likely to see more staff in Uganda’s public universities leave for green pastures.

There is evidence that Rwanda offers the best remuneration packages in the region.

According to a 2012 report by a committee of all vice chancellors of public universities in Kenya, the monthly salary and allowances of a full professor in Rwanda was at an average of $4,900 compared to Kenya’s $2,200, $3,200 in Tanzania and $ 1,150 in Uganda.

Prof. A.B Kasozi, the former executive director of the National Council for Higher Education said it was the norm world over for universities to compete for high quality staff across borders.

“Universities are both local and international and they compete to attract the best professors from anywhere in the world. And academic staff are free to go where they feel they can serve best,” Kasozi told Sunday Vision.

Sources say low salaries are behind the high attrition rates at public universities in Uganda. For instance, Makerere lost 25 high-profile lecturers in 2011 alone, forcing management to put a few post graduate programmes on halt as they did not have required staff to run the courses.

“Poor pay is one the reasons most staff have resigned,” said Louis Kakinda, the secretary general of the Makerere University Academic staff.

Coincidentally, Kigali University’s hunt for professors comes at a time when Makerere University is closed over salary battles.

However, higher education minister Dr. Chrysostom Muyingo downplays the fears that Makerere could lose some of its staff during the closure.

“There is no cause for alarm. Nobody can run away. We are in touch with them and they want us to find a lasting solution to their problems and be able to turn Makerere into a center of excellence for research and innovation,” Muyingo told Sunday Vision.

Charted in 2013, the University of Kigali is one of the leading private higher institutions of learning in Rwanda. It is a fully accredited /chartered University by the Government of Rwanda.

November 14, 2016
Uganda:Makerere guild president, five others arrested

{Mr Ssemboga was picked from the University’s main gate as he mobilized students to walk to parliament, to demand the immediate re-opening of the institution.}

Police in Kampala have arrested Mr Roy Ssemboga, the guild president Makerere University.

Mr Ssemboga was picked from the University’s main gate as he mobilized students to walk to parliament, to demand the immediate re-opening of the institution.

He was arrested alongside four other students who are yet to be identified.

Makerere University’s head of security Mr Jackson Muchunguzi said the students were planning an illegal assembly at the university.

“As per our order, we do not expect students here. They are supposed to be with their parents, so we think these are imposters,” Muchuguzi said adding that they are still trailing for more who are still organizing their fellows in Kikoni.

President Museveni ordered the closure of Makerere University a week ago, citing concerns over the safety of persons and property. His directive followed hours of turbulence at Uganda’s oldest university

November 10, 2016
Rwanda international schools launch forum to enhance professionalism

{International schools in Rwanda have created Rwanda International Schools Forum (RISFO) to enable them work together in ensuring quality education in Rwanda and, potentially, other parts of Africa.}

“We believe in cooperation and RISFO will serve as a forum where all international schools in Rwanda will get together to organize and participate in joint events e.g. debate competitions, inter-school sports and academic events, teacher training programs among others,” said Isa Gokturk Yilmaz, principal of Hope Academy Rwanda, a RISFO member school, and interim office vice president. “Our first goal is to officially register it by involving as many schools as possible in this process so everyone has ownership.”

In a broader sense, RISFO is aimed at enhancing local educators’ skills with academic disciplines such as curriculum development, teacher training, career goals, support material development, athletic programs, talent development and other related pedagogical matters. The forum intends to address these matters by creating activities that will engage international schools, finding varied opportunities for learners, organizing academic and athletic competitions and empowering teachers through workshops – amongst other methodologies. In addition, the forum also provides a platform in which teachers and school managers can compare notes on common areas for better delivery of service to learners.

RISFO has already been keeping a busy schedule with several important events in recent months to help bring its goals to fruition. Recently, the forum conducted its first Cambridge training for teachers which was the first face-to-face training of its kind. The four-day training was held at Riviera High School in July of 2016. It was divided into two segments; two days for primary school teachers and two days for secondary school teachers. The turnout was high, nearly 120 teachers, and the mood was pleasant, according to RISFO officers in attendance.

Thus far, there have been two successful general assembly meetings of member school administrators: one taking place at Mother Mary School Complex and another at Hope Academy Rwanda. The meetings are an opportunity to undertake a variety of matters including, but not limited to: registration of member schools, calendar events for 2017 and drafting statutes.

The future looks bright for RISFO – judging by the cooperation of the stakeholders so far. It is gratifying to note that the registration documents have been prepared, pro bono, by an individual who has made great contribution to education in Rwanda. The forum will provide a platform for tapping such goodwill for the benefit of the children of this nation. Member schools agree that we can look forward to a future where a child who opts for the international curriculum is exposed to as many opportunities as possible, as a result.

Interim Office: The interim office comprises of:
i) Mr. Boniface Onyango (Principal – Riviera High School) – President
ii) Mr. Isa Yilmaz (Principal – Hope Academy Rwanda) – Vice President
iii) Ms. Diana Nawatti (Principal – Mother Mary) – Secretary
iv) Mr. Magadi Bora (Cambridge coordinator- Nu Vision) – Member
v) Mr. Geoffrey Mutabazi (Headmaster – Little Bears Montessori) – Member

RISFO is a non-governmental organization with headquarters in Kibagabaga, Kimironko sector within the Gasabo district of Kigali.

November 8, 2016
Makerere to set up Makerere probe committee

{President Museveni will set up a visitation committee to look into the incessant strikes at Makerere University after the latest lecturers’ sit-down strike provoked an Executive order closing it down indefinitely.}

In a statement issued on Friday evening after she had held an inconclusive crisis meeting with ministry officials at State House, Education minister Janet Museveni said the President will, at an unspecified date, set the terms of reference for the anticipated committee.

“In pursuance of Section 26(3) [of the University and Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001], the Visitor in due course will institute a Visitation Committee to Makerere University. The terms of reference and the duration of the visitation will be determined by the Visitor,” Ms Museveni, who is also the First Lady, said in her statement.

Under the University and Tertiary Institutions Act, the President is named as the ‘Visitor’ of each public university, and is granted powers to perform an overall supervisory role over the affairs of these institutions.

In the meantime, Ms Museveni appealed to students, parents, benefactors and the Makerere University community to remain calm while the government seeks a lasting solution to the institution’s problems.

But just as the minister was meeting her officials, Mr Museveni was fuming at a function in southwestern Uganda. The President told his audience as he officiated at the coronation of Prof Mondo Kangoyera as Kabale University Chancellor that his government will not be held at ransom.

“We shall not tolerate public servants that coerce government by staging demonstrations and strikes as they demand for payments instead of dialogue. Education systems in Uganda must know that the people of Uganda want the type of education that gives jobs to their children,” Mr Museveni said.

Teaching staff at the Makerere went on strike after getting fed up of management’s unfulfilled promises to pay them more than Shs28 billion in incentive allowances, which have gone unpaid over the last eight months.

This newspaper on Thursday reported that ministry of Education had settled for a probe committee into the university’s management, financial problems and strikes.

November 6, 2016
Ghana education: Boy who became a meme raises thousands

{A chubby-cheeked little boy whose serious expression turned him into a meme could end up educating an entire village.}

Jake has become one of the most famous schoolchildren in South Africa since people began sharing a picture of him, joking he was everything from a grumpy driving instructor to an unimpressed security guard.

But Jake lives thousands of miles north, in a small village in eastern Ghana, unaware of his new-found fame.

In fact, up until Wednesday, not even the man who took the photograph knew it had proved such a hit.

{{Pensive}}

Cameraman Carlos Cortes travelled to Ghana in 2015 to make a documentary about Solomon Adufah, an artist returning to his home country from the US.

The picture of Jake, then four, was one of hundreds taken by Cortes while Adufah taught art and creative studies to the children.

“I just caught Jake in the moment of his teaching,” Cortes, of Chicago, told the BBC. “He definitely has a pensive look on his face.”

The two men then returned to the States, unaware they had captured a future star.

But the schoolboy’s picture began doing the rounds after Adufah shared it on his Instagram account.

When he first realised it had gone viral, he was unsure of how to react to the posts, worried they were making fun of Jake.

“I thought, I’m not going to respond,” the 27-year-old told the BBC. “But then I remember a moment when I thought, what if all these ‘likes’ turned into actual funds to help?”

Jake and his friends live in a rural village, and for some families sending their children to school is more than they can afford.

What is more, the primary school is also in need of supplies.

“I remember one day we spent 20 minutes just trying to make sure we had enough pencils for all the kids,” Mr Cortes said. “That’s what the campaign is really about.”

So Adufah, who has lived in the US since he was 16, set up a fundraising campaign, hoping Jake will really inspire people to turn their likes into cash to help pay for his education, and that of the other children in the village.

Within 24 hours, it had raised $2,000 (£1,642) – 10% of its target.

Adufah said: “This money could make a huge difference to the kids – this could be something really positive going forward.”

A documentary about Adufah’s time in Ghana is being finished at the moment. See more of Cortes’ photographs on his Instagram account.

October 28, 2016
Uganda:Makerere ranked fourth best in Africa

{Globally, Makerere ranks below the 500th position, the United States’ universities dominate top slots while institutions in Singapore and China made a strong showing. The University of Oxford was the best overall.}

Makerere University is Africa’s fourth best university, and top-most outside of South Africa, according to the latest world university rankings.

“Our performance was very good in research, but when it came to teaching and learning, we scored very low because 55 per cent of our staff establishment is vacant,” the university Vice Chancellor, Prof John Ssentamu-Ddumba, said of The Times Higher Education World University rankings.

The survey, now in its 12th year, evaluated 980 universities worldwide based on their teaching, research, citations and international outlook.

The methodology blended “reputation scores from the past two annual surveys and incorporating books among the research outputs assessed for their impact”.

Globally, Makerere ranks below the 500th position, the United States’ universities dominate top slots while institutions in Singapore and China made a strong showing. The University of Oxford was the best overall.

Researchers attribute the “sharp rise” of Asian universities in the latest ranking to “rapidly growing populations and demand for higher education; governments making ‘significant investments’ in universities; and improvements by individual institutions”.

In East Africa, University of Nairobi is the second best but takes 8th position in Africa.

Prof Ddumba told this newspaper last evening that Makerere would frogleap other institutions if the government recruited adequate staff and put more money to buy teaching materials and research.

“I congratulate my staff that despite the challenges, they can still pull this off,” he said. “If we can improve the teaching and learning, streamline ICT in all colleges, I am confident we can be [at the] top on the continent and [in the] world.”

South Africa produced Africa top three universities; University of Cape Town, University of Witwatersrand and Stellenbosch University.

Although the Makerere performance remains impressive, it dropped by one position, having ranked third best on the continent in last year’s The Times Higher Education World University Ranking.

Prof John Asibo-Opuda, the National Council for Higher Education’s executive director, said the high rating of the country’s oldest and largest public university was unsurprising.

Citing research as the university’s strength, he said: “we have many beautiful universities, but you have to invest in them.”

“You can’t suddenly appear in such a ranking. It requires time and money. If the country is not investing in higher education, we can never move forward,” Prof Opuda added.

{{Top in Africa}}

Universities Countries

1.University of Cape Town S.Africa

2.University of Witwatersrand S.Africa

3.Stellenbosch University S.Africa

4.Makerere University Uganda

5.University of KwaZulu-Natal S.Africa

6.University of Pretoria S.Africa

7.University of Ghana Ghana

8.University of Nairobi Kenya

9.Suez Canal University Egypt

10.Alexandria University Egypt

11.Cairo University Egypt

12.Uni of Marrakech Cadi Ayyad Morocco

13.University of South Africa S.Africa

14. University of Ibadan Nigeria

15. Mohammed V Univ of Rabat Morocco

{{Mak factfile}}

•Founded in 1922

•Has 37,340 students, 9 per cent of whom are international students.

•Has under half of required staff

October 12, 2016
Automatic promotion compromises quality of education—teachers

{The Ministry of Education adopted a policy that ensures access to education for all that involves automatic promotion to the next class which teachers have decried as a practice that compromises the quality education as learners do not put in extra efforts in mastering any given subject. }

On the other hand, MINEDUC says teachers should carry out continuous assessment to overcome the episodic challenges learners might have encountered as hindrances to their performance.

In discussion held yesterday at Dove Hotel during the International Teachers’ Day, some teachers were of the view that the system of automatic promotion should be revisited in the spirit of assuring quality education.

“MINEDUC and other education stakeholders should revise the pactice of automatic promotion of learners since it encourages them to relax, being assured of promotion. This kills the spirit of competition, ” observed one teacher.

Another teacher observed that some pupils have become so undisciplined to the extent of beating teachers. “They have become naughty. Teachers no longer have control over them. Many put on clothes mismatching and in total defiance of school uniform requirements,” lamented another teacher.

Commenting on teachers’ claims, the Minister of Education Dr Papias Musafiri Malimba told teachers that the program is adopted to allow access to education for children unlike the past during the colonial rule where few selected pupils would be promoted.

Talking on pupils’ laxity, Musafiri said; “Some developments can’t be restricted. We can’t bar children from using technology but you as teachers you should reform teaching methodology. We must be contemporary teachers though we learned through old pedagogical methodologies,” he counseled.

On misbehavior among pupils, Dr. Musafiri said that charity begins at home; noting that some parents and guardians have forfeited their parental responsibilities.

He urged teachers on professionalism and working ethically in the process of imparting knowledge.

The state minister in charge of TVET, Rwamukwaya Olivier told teachers that scored marks should not be the basis for a pupil to be promoted to the next level as a pupil might have other reasons that affected his performance during exams yet his/her past performance was excellent.

October 6, 2016
MKU is Kenya’s top varsity in Rwanda

{Mount Kenya University has been rated the best among Kenyan universities currently operating in Rwanda.}

The university emerged position 11 out of 29 among universities that were ranked by Rwanda’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) with 380 marks out of 1,000.

MKU scored 88 on physical and academic infrastructure; 87 on faculty, research, consultancy and other programmes; 75 on admission, curriculum and delivery systems, while in placement, networking and Industry Interface it got 129.

“The purpose of this ranking is to make higher education provisions more transparent for stakeholders and make a good ground for competitiveness among higher education institutions,” states the report.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) campus was placed 29 while Kenyatta University, which has a campus in Rwanda, was not ranked as it is yet to start its operations after the Kenya government disowned their operations in that country and Tanzania early this year.

JKUAT scored 171 marks out of 1,000 in a rating that saw the University of Rwanda, Kigali, emerge top with 592 marks.

MKU, which is currently putting up a fully-fledged university in Rwanda, also emerged third in terms of universities that have good infrastructure that is physical and academic.

The new campus being built at a cost of Sh500 million is set to be ready by November. The institution has about 3,000 undergraduate and post-graduate students.

The study was conducted in close collaboration with HEC and academic experts in the field of higher education in Rwanda.

“The study was conducted in order to understand the data provided by the HEIs and gain clarity with respect to relevance of parameters and sub parameters to be used as per the education scenario in Rwanda,” it explains.

The report notes that the ranking would help identify, assess and evaluate overall situation existing in the education sector in Rwanda and plan for the future keeping these insights in mind.

Methodology used for data collection included questionnaires and interviews by education experts.

The three Kenyan universities have invested heavily in Rwanda.

A report submitted mid this year to the National Assembly’s Public Investment Committee (PIC) shows that JKUAT had spent Sh450 million to set up campuses in Rwanda and Tanzania.

JKUAT vice chancellor, Mabel Imbuga, said the institution used Sh10 million as seed capital for Arusha centre and Sh21 million for Kigali campus.

Kenyatta University said it spent Sh370 million on setting up a campus in Rwanda and Sh53 million on establishing another one in Arusha.

The committee has since ordered an audit of the two universities’ operations in Rwanda and Tanzania.

October 2, 2016
Uganda:40,000 teachers not paid for two months

{According to the Uganda National Teachers Union general secretary, Mr James Tweheyo, majority of the affected teachers work in the newly created districts and municipalities.}

The ministry of Finance last evening appeared shocked to learn that up to 40,000 primary and secondary school teachers in 38 districts have gone without pay for two months.

Ministry spokesman Jim Mugunga, sounding startled, wondered how other public servants could have been paid to the exclusion of such a large number of teachers.
He explained that the only delays he was aware of were in Nansana Municipality and Kabale University because they are new.

“Teachers’ salaries are never separated from other civil servants. So, why would government pay others and not teachers? I am sure someone has not done their work. There is no way the Treasury can release partial salaries. The chief administrative officers of these districts should be [held] responsible,” Mr Mugunga told Daily Monitor yesterday.

According to the Uganda National Teachers Union general secretary, Mr James Tweheyo, majority of the affected teachers work in the newly created districts and municipalities.

Mr Tweheyo cited Mityana, Njeru, Lugazi and Mubende municipalities where teachers have only been paid half salaries since June, while Kabale, Kiruhura, Bushenyi and Kiruhura teachers “have not seen a coin.”

“[at least] 38 districts have been affected and these are close to 40,000 primary and secondary teachers,” he said at the Education International Africa Regional Committee meeting in Kampala where teacher union leaders have converged to look at how to ensure quality education on the continent.

Ministry of Education officials, including the spokesman, Mr Patrick Muinda, couldn’t be reached for a comment by press time as they were reported to be in a meeting with the President at State House.

September 14, 2016