Rwanda has 95% 4G coverage and a broadband fibre backbone in all major cities, but due to Rwanda’s geography, some areas of the country are hard to reach at an affordable cost and good reliability, using these technologies. In February 2023, Rwanda officially launched Starlink satellite internet services, to improve access to affordable, fast and reliable internet connectivity in remote areas.
The Government of Rwanda has already connected 44.5% of public schools across the country via fibre optic, the One Government Network project, and the Giga Initiative. Through the Tomorrow Partnership with the Government of Rwanda, the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) has committed to connect 50 of the 500 pilot schools.
On Wednesday, The Rwandan Minister of ICT and Innovation accompanied by the Minister of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education and Mr. Tony Blair, visited the first school to be connected under this program, the Groupe Scolaire Gaseke, in Gicumbi District.
“The Tony Blair Institute’s initiative through the Tomorrow Partnership, is supporting the Government of Rwanda by providing expertise and technical assistance, so that we are able to dream together, co-design and implement impactful programmes, like this week’s launch of high-speed satellite connectivity for schools in Rwanda,” said Paula Ingabire, Rwandan Minister of ICT and Innovation.
One of the key sectors for increasing access to broadband services being the Education sector, Gaspard Twagirayezu, Minister of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education said: “We want to have all our schools connected to the internet, but there are regions that do not have coverage or are difficult to connect. So having the option of satellite is really important, and we are looking forward to connecting some of our most remote schools using this type of connectivity.”
Talking about their partnership with the Government of Rwanda, Stella Mugabo, TBI Country Director for Rwanda, said: “Connecting these schools demonstrates the art of the possible, and the fundamental mission of The Tomorrow Partnership: provide problem-solvers the technology to enable the best possible solutions. It’s clear that when we bring policymakers who are committed to accelerating the delivery of real change for their people together with technology companies like Starlink, you can feel the energy and a real excitement around the potential for progress.”
On March 1, 2023, University of Kigali’s Board of Directors appointed Professor David Karungu Wang’ombe as Vice- Chancellor, while Prof. Felix Maringe was appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic on October 1, 2022.
Both are not new in the academic field since they have been working with various highly-esteemed academic institutions in the region, South Africa and the UK, which sums up their readiness for the job awaiting them at UoK.
Few days ahead of the 7th graduation ceremony due to take place at the Intare Conference Arena on 3rd March 2023, both members of the university’s management team spoke to IGIHE about their prospects.
For Prof. Wang’ombe, joining University of Kigali’s leadership was a dream fulfilled in his quest to take African education to the next level.
“I have had a chance to see the plans and vision of the University of Kigali, and that motivated me to consider the possibilities of working with this university. So, I was delighted when the Board of Directors appointed me as vice chancellor, and shared in my personal vision of developing the capacity of the youth attending the university,” he said.
In his new journey, Prof Wang’ombe will be focusing on what should be four pillars of modern university namely; excellence in teaching and learning, research by building new knowledge, community engagement and making a difference in the lives of people.
“Achieving that requires excellence in our organizations, excellence in our governance and high quality procedures that enable us to achieve those goals”, he added.
Once those foundations are laid, Prof. Wang’ombe believes that it will market the university in the international arena.
“It is my hope that we are able to carry sufficient international accreditation for all the pillars whether separately or together, so that we are recognized both internally and externally, as an institution that is committed to making a difference in the lives of people,” Prof. Wang’ombe said.
This will be an addition to existing programs that are already being implemented in University of Kigali, including allocating full scholarships to vulnerable students whose talents are remarkable.
“At this stage, I invite other institutions that would want to support students that are brilliant but cannot afford university education to come and join us in making this education available,” he appealed.
{{More than 1800 students are ready to graduate }}
On 3rd March 2023, the university will put more than 1,800 graduates on global markets in various fields such as Business Management, Economics, Education, Law, Computing and Information Technology, etc.
Prof. Maringe lauded the graduands, saying that they have been equipped with skills that are relevant to the global market.
“As our motto states, we prepare “labour for the future” and one of the things that characterizes our University is that all our students have to work hard to earn their grades, diplomas and degrees. That is a very important part of our training for the students and it has been held by employers as a great achievement. It is one of the things that we are very proud about,” he said.
Prof. Wangombe added that the graduands have been prepared for the world that is ahead of them.
“We have prepared these students to face the world that is ahead of them. They have not only passed the exams, but also have gone through the process of interaction, counseling, guiding them to know what life is all about, not just about the engagement in money-making exercises but being good citizens who can make a difference in the lives of people” he said.
The University of Kigali is one of the top-five universities in Rwanda. It is appreciated for its efforts in scaling up education, especially through research.
Having started operations in 2013, the university currently has two campuses; one in Kigali and the other in Musanze.
Premier Ngirente delivered the message at the celebration of World Teachers’ Day marked on Wednesday 2nd November 2022.
In Rwanda, the event was held at BK Arena at national level where Dr. Ngirente addressed over 7000 teachers and delivered the message from President of the Republic.
Premier Ngirente told educators that President Kagame sent him to deliver his message.
“His Excellency, President of the Republic of Rwanda wished to be with you today but could not make it over hectic schedules and other reasons. So, he asked me to represent him at this ceremony,” he said.
“His message is covered in one word. It implies that the Government of Rwanda strongly attaches great relevance to your profession. That is why we continue to call you educators and parents in Rwanda. Keep up the momentum,” added Dr. Ngirente.
The Premier revealed that he is personally proud of the profession which has been the cornerstone for many high profile personalities.
“May the teacher be respected,” he said.
Dr. Ngirente requested teachers to continue to be a good example in their profession and Rwandan society as well.
“I once again request teachers and educators altogether to be defined by good conduct to inspire the children you teach and other segments of the population. People learn from teachers’ good manners but the opposite of this tarnishes their reputation,” he said.
“Good conduct has to go hand in hand with hygiene which should characterize all Rwandans from teachers to students. The country, parents and Rwandan society expect you to play a role in instilling such good manners among them,” added Dr. Ngirente.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya reminded teachers that they do a great job that requires dedication.
“We salute teacher’s dedication to their work. Apparently, teaching is a calling and we have been witnessing the fruits of your work. A lot still needs to be done to promote quality education, work relentlessly, and assess students’ knowledge, take heed of hygiene and work with parents whom we educate their children among others,” she advised.
Rwanda registers over 5603 teachers in nursery schools; 63,788 in primary schools; 29,858 in public and semi-public secondary schools and 7,813 in technical schools while 20,000 are from private schools.
During the ceremony, five outstanding teachers were awarded for promoting quality education while five others were awarded for efficiently utilizing loans from Umwarimu Sacco.
The educators who arrived in Kigali in the evening of Wednesday 19th October 2022 include 135 to be deployed in Teachers Training Colleges (TTCs). Others will be deployed to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), three Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centres (IPRCs) while some will teach in the University of Rwanda – College of Medicine and Health Sciences (UR-CMHS).
They were recruited after passing job entry exams and accepting to work in Rwanda.
Those Zimbabweans are allowed to stay in Rwanda with their families. They will spend three days for induction during which they will be taught about Rwanda’s history, visit Kigali Genocide Memorial and other places.
The new educators are expected to start their jobs on Monday next week.
Speaking at the ceremony to officially welcome the foreign teachers; the Minister of State in charge of ICT and TVET, Claudette Irere said that they will first be taken through Rwanda’s history values, home-grown solutions and get more information about their new job.
She reminded them that the country expects a lot from them to promote quality education.
Irere explained that they were recruited as experienced teachers who will also assist or train Rwandan counterparts.
The Ambassador of Zimbawe to Rwanda, Prof. Charity Manyeruke said that the successful recruitment of teachers from Zimbabwe is a fruit of vibrant relations between both countries.
Zimbabwe opened an embassy in Rwanda in 2019 and Rwanda opened embassy in the country in the same year.
Prof. Manyeruke thanked both countries’ heads of state for being far sighted. He explained that Zimbawe has undergone several reforms to promote the education sector for far too long noting that fruits of these efforts are self-evident.
He highlighted that Rwanda and Zimbabwe have so far signed 22 agreements in different areas including energy, exchange of knowledge and employees from different sectors, an addition to existing trade cooperation.
Prof. Manyeruke underscored that the collaboration between Rwanda and Zimbawe aligns with provisions of the African Continental Free Trade Area, to remove employment barriers among African countries.
The Ministry of Education has revealed that the government will pay the teachers’ salaries and provide accommodation nearby their workplace in the first three months.
It is expected that they will have been familiar with the country during this time, whereafter they can rent selected accommodations or build own houses depending on available means.
Family members who came to Rwanda with the teachers can also apply for jobs matching with their qualifications in Rwanda.
Their employment contract will last for two years but can be renewed in consideration of different aspects including their performance.
Some of these teachers have told IGIHE that they are excited to work in Rwanda as a country of their dreams with an inspiring development journey and visionary leadership.
“On my side, I have to say that my dreams have come true. I come here as an experienced English teacher where I will be mentoring fellow teachers,” said Zendile Ndlovu.
Of these teachers comprising 96 men and 58 women; six will be assigned to TVET schools, 11 will be deployed to IPRC as three serve as lecturers at the University of Rwanda.
The details emerged on Tuesday 27th September 2022 as the ministry announced results for primary school and ordinary level national examinations for the year 2021/2022.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya has said that a total of 227,472 candidates sat for primary leaving national examinations of whom 125,169 are girls while the number of boys stood at 102,303.
“A total of 206,286 candidates obtained a pass mark, representing 90.69%. This means, the remaining 21,186 equivalent to 9.31% failed. Last year, pupils passed exams at 82.8%. This shows the improvement registered this year,” she said.
As for ordinary level, only 126,735 sat for exams out of 127,589 registered candidates.
“A total of 108,566 students passed the national exam representing 85.66% while 18,469 representing 14.34% failed exams. Unlike primary national exams, the ordinary level’s performance is below compared to 86.3% registered last year,” said Dr. Uwamariya.
Of those who passed primary leaving exams, 26,922 received boarding schools while 179,364 were sent to day schools.
Dr. Uwamariya has revealed that all students who failed to secure a pass mark will repeat classes.
Last year, a total of 60,000 who failed primary leaving and ordinary level national examinations also repeated the school year.
In bid to continue supporting the education sector, the Rwandan government is going to invest a lot of money in activities related to it, where this sector is the second that was given a lot of money in the 2022/23 fiscal year.
The Department of Internal Security has the largest budget of Rwf1,717.8 billion followed by the Department of Education with 573.3 billion; Justice, reconciliation, and rule of law with Rwf413.8 billion while the health sector received Rwf365.2 billion.
Of course, this money will be invested in education activities in Rwanda in order to strengthen its quality and develop it.
Although it is expected that more than Rwf249 billion will go to the salaries of those who work in the education sector, there are important projects of priority to promote quality education as highlighted below.
{{Improving the quality of education by providing modern equipment}}
The State Minister in Charge of Primary and Secondary Education, Gaspard Twagirayezu has told IGIHE that increasing the quality of education through the capacity building of teachers, schools, and students are among projects of the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC).
Under this project that will cost more than Rwf6.4 billion, it is planned that tablets will be given to at least 4000 teachers, containing courses prepared in the form that have been researched and proven to be productive.
These are computers that will be provided to public elementary and middle schools that are supported by the government under the 150 contract to increase capacity.
Twagirayezu said that this technology is aimed at improving the quality of education, where the teacher will be able to give lessons based on the manual that is included in the computer, which has all the complete information so that it will increase the level of the child’s knowledge.
“It will also help the teacher to monitor the learning of children and their behavior while they are in class, to be able to identify those who are absent from school, the level of their success. It will also help to monitor the performance of the teacher and his supervisor,” he noted.
It is expected that these materials should be delivered to the schools and begin to be used at the beginning of the first term of the school year 2022/23 which will start on September 26, 2022.
{{Writing books within the country}}
As part of the effort to be self-sufficient, Rwanda has started authoring books in a program known as ‘in House texting’ and it is producing results.
The Ministry of Education anticipates that at least Rwf10 billion will be spent every year in order to achieve the desired goals in 2026.
In this fiscal year, the government allocated Rwf5.9 billion for the writing of educational textbooks.
The books that will be provided are related to the subjects of Mathematics, Rwandan, English, French, Intelligence, Social Sciences, Biology, Technology, History, Environmental Science, Business, Swahili, Religion, Education, Music, Arts and Crafts, home science, agriculture and animal husbandry.
The focus is also on the pre-school, primary, and high school levels.
Twagirayezu pointed out that writing books in Rwanda have produced tangible results because more than 14 million books have been produced and it has reduced the gaps and mistakes that used to appear in books written by foreigners.
“After 14,187,817 books were produced, the number of children using one book decreased from nine in 2017 to five as per statistics for the year 2020/21,” he said.
He went on to reveal that the waiting time for the books to reach the schools was reduced since they were imported.
{{Promoting basic education}}
MINEDUC has a project that aims to improve basic education in which it will inject nearly Rwf10 billion.
This project will focus on the preparation, use, and implementation of student assessment reports, and campaigning for gender equality in schools.
There is also the establishment of standards for evaluation in primary schools and the first stage of secondary schools, the provision of books and manuals for kindergartens, and the training of teachers in kindergartens.
It is also planned that books for kindergartens and those in the first grade will be digitized, providing materials for learning and teaching mathematics, science, and technology, materials for science teaching in schools such as laboratories, and materials for preschool technology and modeling.
There are also the provision of materials and books in kindergartens, the introduction of technology in English learning materials, the training of teachers in relation to teaching, the use of tests for the placement of school principals, and the preparation and delivery pieces of trainings for teachers of science and mathematics.
At present, the development of primary education has reached an impressive rate, where 98.9% of school-age children are currently in school (primary school).
Among them, the pass rate in primary schools increased from 81.6% in 2019 to 82.8% in 2020/21. Those who go to secondary school went from 53% in 2019 to 56.9% in 2020.
The pass rate in secondary schools increased from 90.6% in 2019 to 92.2% in 2020, all of which is a boost to the development of basic education.
{{Increase the number of skilled and competent workers}}
Sometimes, increasing the number of skilled and capable staff may seem counterintuitive because there has been competition, but it is necessary to keep complementing the ability of teachers.
This project will focus on increasing the number of classrooms in schools of excellence and building the capacity of Teacher Training Schools.
Since 2019, teachers have received scholarships for capacity building where about 597 will pursue courses at the University of Rwanda, Rukara and Nyagatare branch.
It is planned that 15,636 teachers will be trained under this budget.
{{Building schools will cost Rwf16.7 billion}}
In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, it is planned that 360 rooms will be built in kindergartens and 94 rooms in secondary schools.
At the moment, the overcrowding in kindergarten schools is about 40 students per classroom, 59 in primary school and 40 in high school.
It is an ongoing process to reduce the number of students in one school because the government wants to reduce the number to at least 30 in kindergartens, 46 in primary schools and 30 in secondary schools by 2024.
This year, it is expected that 12 kindergarten classrooms will be built in each district and 94 classrooms up to three in secondary schools in Gasabo, Musanze and Rubavu districts.
The new students will be pursuing Bachelor’s of Arts (BA) degree in Project Management.
Speaking at the admission day event held on Friday 26th August 2022, the Vice Chancellor of Kepler College, Prof Baylie Damtie Yeshita said that courses to be offered under this program will equip students with knowledge, skills and attitude that are highly needed at the labour market.
“Kepler College shall focus on offering academic programs at the intersection of technology and management inline with the labor market needs in Rwanda and the region.The main defining and unique feature of Kepler College’s pedagogy is learn by doing; students are presented with case studies and projects to demonstrate mastery of key competencies. Assessment at Kepler College aims at measuring students’ ability to solve a variety of work-like problems and projects instead of rote memorization,” he said.
Yeshita disclosed that all programs of the college offer industrial attachment opportunities to students and actively working with employers is a key strategy of the College for ensuring the relevance of an academic program.
He also highlighted that employment outcome is the main measure of success at Kepler College; the goal being 90% of the graduates get jobs within six months after graduation.
Kevin Marius Ikuzwe, one of new students enrolled this year expressed delight to be admitted at Kepler College noting that he was lured by Kepler’s credibility for quality education.
Shalina Agasaro Gakuba also revealed that the support Kepler extended to alumni after graduation attracted her to join Kepler College.
In April 2022, Kepler College was accredited as a fully-fledged higher education institution in Rwanda to start by offering bachelors of arts degree in project management. The College plans to open three more additional undergraduate programs over the next five years.
Twagirayezu delivered the message as he officiated the beginning of national exams for candidates from ordinary level, upper secondary school, Teachers Training Colleges (TTCs) and Vocational Training Schools (TVETs).
The ceremony took place at Groupe Scolaire Shyorongi in Rulindo District. It was attended by different officials including the Director of General of the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA), Dr. Bernard Bahati and the Mayor of Rulindo District, Judith Mukanyirigira among others.
GS Shyorongi serves as an examination center for different schools including GS Gisiza and École Stella Matutina. Candidates sitting for exams at the school include 157 girls and 59 boys.
The exams follow others for primary school finalists which began a week ago. The Ministry of Education says that the just concluded exams ended successfully with the participation of almost all registered candidates.
Twagirayezu has advised candidates against cheating because preparations of exams involved a transparent process with the participation of different parties including teachers and NESA.
“You have spent three years of studies and preparations for these exams. Besides, your teachers participated in preparations of these exams. Avoid panic, read questions and answer to them attentively. We wish you the best of luck,” said
A total of 429,151 students registered for national exams this year.
These include 229,859 candidates from primary school; 127,469 from ordinary level; 47,579 from the upper secondary school; 21,338 from TVET schools while 2,906 are from TTCs.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya has officiated the start of exams at Groupe Scolaire Nyagasambu in Fumbwe Sector of Rwamagana District which serves as an examination center for 633 learners (including 301 boys and 332 girls) from four schools including Rwamashyongoshyo Parents School, GS Runyinya, Nyagasambu Vision and GS Nyagasambu.
Minister Uwamariya told the candidates to consider the exam as an opportunity giving them chance to be promoted to the next level.
“You have spent six years preparing for this exam allowing you to be promoted to the next level. In fact, it is about preparations to join the category of mature people. This is a good move for you but it is not extraordinary because you have done exams at different times,” she said.
Minister Uwamariya has revealed that learners have had smooth preparations unlike the past two years where studies were affected by COVID-19.
Even though the pandemic has not yet been defeated, Minister Uwamariya observed that this school year went well and ended on time without COVID-19 restrictions suspending studies and expressed optimism for good performance.
She also urged parents and head teachers to make sure that all children participate lest they are deprived of a brighter future.
At least 429,151 finalists from primary, ordinary level and upper secondary school are expected to sit for national exams this year.
Ordinary level exams are scheduled between 26thy July and 2nd August 2022 while students completing the upper secondary school will sit for national exams from 26th July to 5th August 2022.
Besides, candidates from Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) will sit for exams between 26th July and 3rd August 2022 while written exams for students from Vocational Training Schools are scheduled to run from 26th July to 5th August 2022.
At last 254,000 primary school finalists sat for national exams last year.
UNILAK is among private universities in Rwanda reputed for quality education that attracts local and foreign students.
The university receives new students every year including foreigners from African countries pursuing quality education.
Today, the university has close to 200 foreign students from more than 15 African countries including Liberia, Cameroun, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Mauritania, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Congo, DRC and Angola among others.
Speaking to IGIHE, some foreign students talked about the support received from the school to perform well and socialize with Rwandans and faced challenges.
The representative of foreign students at UNILAK, Prince Fobay has said that they are safe in Rwanda and socialize with colleagues through established network.
He explained that they initially struggled to get familiar with the environment due to barriers to understand Kinyarwanda but have mixed with the society and pursue courses easily and aim high to achieve academic excellence.
“The ultimate goal of a student is to succeed. We are trying as much as we can as Africans to be flexible to changes to strive to be meaningful not only to our mother countries but also to the entire African continent, “he said.
“Students also work hard with courage to pursue studies and exhibit outstanding performance. It is apparent that students are eager to shine and update their research skills,” Fobay added.
Considering the knowledge acquired from UNILAK and support extended to foreigners, Fobay affirmed that he made the right choice and encouraged more students to join the university.
Pricious klede, another student from Liberia studying Accounting at UNILAK revealed that she learnt about UNILAK via internet.
She expressed optimism that acquired knowledge will pave the way for her brighter future.
“After completing secondary studies, I started searching for a university where I had to advance my education. I learnt about Rwanda and UNILAK over the internet. I choose to come to Rwanda because of its serene atmosphere, good culture and security,” she noted.
“I did not integrate easily upon arrival because Rwanda and Liberia don’t offer courses in similar programs. It took me at least three months because lecturers make possible efforts to assist students until they understand. They are also flexible to provide more explanations even during extra working hours,” Pricious added.
Apart from existing courses, she disclosed that the university has started teaching them Kinyarwanda language so that they can be more familiar with the society.
The Dean of Students at UNILAK, Ephron Nyamaswa has said that foreign students are assisted with special attention.
“Normally, a student is our client and the client is a King. We show students that they are coming in the right time and are much valued. We have established a network of foreign students to easily follow up issues that might be hindering their studies or wellbeing,” he noted.
Nyamaswa explained that the gentle treatment makes students feel at home and study comfortably.
“The school becomes the students’ parent when they are far from biological parents. We make possible efforts as much as we can and keep in touch with relatives to ensure their wellbeing,” he emphasized.
Apart from ensuring their wellbeing, the university also helps foreign students to get documents allowing them to study in Rwanda.
As Nyamaswa explained, UNILAK seeks to continue advancing quality education and introduce distance learning.
UNILAK has different branches in Kigali, Nyanza and Rwamagana. It is currently registering students willing to pursue studies in Law, Economic sciences and Management, Computing and Information Sciences and Environmental studies for the next intake expected to begin studies in April 2022.
