Primary and secondary schools are expected to open respectively on 10th and 13th January 2021.
The second term is opening few weeks after Rwanda confirmed the new Coronavirus variant dubbed ‘omicron’ which prompted the country to tighten preventive measures.
Appearing in RBA talk show, Dr. Uwamariya has said that the situation is controllable because many head teachers are aware of recommended health guidelines to contain the spread of the virus at schools.
She however stressed the need to take more strict measures to ensure enhanced protection against the new variant which spreads faster.
“We are lucky that head teachers know how to react when a new case is confirmed at their schools but we still need to be more vigilant and design new strategies to contain the spread of the virus in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Rwanda Biomedical Center,” Dr. Uwamariya said.
The Minister reminded teachers that they must have received the booster dose before returning to school as it was recommended by the Ministry of Education recently.
“We have recently urged eligible teachers to have received the third dose before the opening of the second school term. We are hopeful that no teacher will return to school without doing the necessary,” she affirmed.
MINEDUC shows that over 90% of eligible students have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine in Kigali City.
Among others, students from 14 districts received the first dose in the first school term expected to receive the second dose as they return to school before the program is rolled out to students in the remaining 16 district countrywide.
The ceremony, which took place at Kigali Arena in Gasabo District started with an academic procession including Dr. Carlos Fernando – the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor ,members of the Board of Promoters, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Deans and other invited guests.
UoK’s Chancellor, Dr. Carlos Fernando Sotz, congratulated the 2021 graduating class adding that “all the successful graduates are a true testimony of UoK’s success and demonstrate the university’s continuous contribution to skills development in Rwanda and across the globe”.
With the main campus located in Kacyiru, next to the plush Kigali Heights, about 3 Kilometers from Kigali City Centre, UoK is a fully-accredited university chartered by the Government of Rwanda.
Following the recent graduation ceremony, the university has opened admissions for the next academic intake 2022 and encourages students not to miss the opportunity to study at one of the leading private higher learning institutions in Rwanda.
UoK with fully-accredited university chartered by the Government of the Republic of Rwanda.
{{Here Are 5 reasons why you must apply to study at UoK in 2022:}}
{{1.World-class Schools, Centres & Academies}}
UoK has 7 world-class and well-equipped schools, 3 centres and 2 academies which use effective as well as globally-acclaimed resources to deliver excellent academic services to students in diverse fields of study.
{{These are:}}
• School of Business and Management
• School of Computing and Information Technology
• School of Education
• School of Law
• School of Professional and Executive Programmes
• Center for Modern Languages (CML)
{{2. Industry-relevant and Globally-recognized Academic Programmes }}
At UoK, you have the opportunity to choose from a plethora of industry-relevant and globally-recognized academic programmes ranging from Undergraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Degrees, Professional and Executive Certificates as well as Postgraduate Diplomas in the fields of Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Law, Procurement & Supply Chain, Computer Science, IT, Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, CPA (Rwanda), CPA (Kenya), ACCA, CIPS, CIA, IPSAS, etc.
{{3. Experienced Multi-cultural Human Resource}}
UoK has a multicultural and experienced academic and non-academic staff. Currently, our programme modules are taught by 9 professors and 32 PhD holders in various disciplines, with exposure from different parts of the world and vast experience in both industry practice and academia.
{{4. International Partnerships}}
UoK believes in diversity, creation and dissemination of critical knowledge embedded in the wealth and potential of the region and the world. Consequently, we have partnered with reputable universities and Institutions from Kenya, Uganda, India, South Africa, Germany, Italy, Canada, UK, Poland, Ghana among others to give students and staff international exchange opportunities. Some of our exchange programmes are in Kenya, AIESEC, Erasmus, Erasmus+ and Germany through the support of the European Union.
{{5. Massive International Student Population}}
As a university of choice for international students with a drive towards internationalization and excellence, UoK has an international office which is solely responsible for the welfare of international students from the time of entry till they graduate. Currently, we have students from Angola, Nigeria, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Malawi, China, Turkey, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Chad, etc.
{{Testimonials from some of our 2021 Graduates}}
1.Grace Ntihemuka, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing told The New Times that she is grateful for the opportunity to study at UoK, adding that though it was a long and tough journey since she enrolled in 2018, the journey has been worthwhile and she’s well equipped to face the corporate world.
“I am very happy about my experience at UoK and encourage prospective students who are out there looking for a better university to enroll at UoK because they have everything and the university is full of opportunities.
2. Another master’s degree graduate, Evariste Manishimwe said that he is thankful for the university’s support during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that they provided and still provide the best teaching experience to students.
“I enrolled for my master’s programme in 2019, unfortunately, the following year, COVID-19 struck but the university helped us a lot and now we are celebrating our success though the pandemic is not yet over,” he said.
He added that the UoK was his first choice at the time he wanted to upgrade his education and he strongly encourages others to enroll at UoK because it is among the top universities with qualified lectures as well as programmes fit for local, international and global labor.
UoK is welcoming new students as registration is ongoing for 2022 January, May and October intakes. Apply now and be well-equipped to seize the future!
Africa New Life Church, an organization that strives to transform lives and communities through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ and through acts of compassion is one of actors supporting this cause following the opening of a new school in Bugesera district in 2020, which offers courses under ‘Accelerating Christian Education’ program.
It is among few schools in Rwanda with such a program developing children’s intellectual capacity through a combination of science and Godly values.
During the ceremony to close the third school term, the Principal of New Life Leadership, Samuel Mukasa explained that the school nurtures students’ brain with Christ-centered education.
Graduates from the program also stand chance to pursue studies in universities from the United States and more than 45 African countries.
He further stated that the program is very unique considering its course packages.
“The program is unique in the sense that it focuses on Christian-centered education and imparts students with relevant skills enabling them to assume different responsibilities. It also helps students to learn with zeal to achieve great ambitions, “he said.
Besides, Accelerated Christian Education program is individualized and non-graded.
It allows students to work at their own level of achievement, which may vary from subject to subject.
The Executive Director of Africa New Life, Pastor Fred Isaac Katagwa has said that the uniqueness of New Life Leadership Academy lies in leadership skills and virtues students are acquainted with.
“Students will graduate from this academy with critical thinking skills. Our holistic approach also helps to educate students and acquaint them with positive attitudes,” he said.
The school has so far enrolled 70 students since it began operations last year with plans to receive not more than 200 to ensure that students continue attending studies in a favorable learning environment.
Katagwa revealed that the program is meant to raise future leaders from a school where faith meets learning.
Meilla Yves was previously pursuing courses under Rwanda Basic Education (REB) program but has moved to New Life Leadership Academy.
He explained that the curriculum of the academy enables him to work hard and understand courses easily.
Africa New Life works with the Government of Rwanda to train teachers and supports more than 10,000 students across the country.
It also has three affiliated schools some of which are located in Kayonza and Kicukiro districts accommodating approximately 1200 students.
Courses under similar program are also offered at six more schools in Rwanda including Life International Christian Academy (LICA), Trinity International Academy, Cornerstone International Christian Academy, New Kigali Life Christian Academy, Faith Foundation Academy and Springville Christian Academy.
Dr. Uwamariya made the revelation on Tuesday 2nd December 2021 as she officially opened the 13th Policy Dialogue Forum of the International Task Force on Teachers.
The centre is expected to provide training for primary, secondary school and universities’ management with a view to equip them with relevant skills to carry their tasks efficiently.
“Responding to the question of teachers requires Governments, International Organizations and civil society members to work in synergy and find adequate solutions for teachers together. In this line, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with partners, is in the process of establishing an African Centre for School Leadership, with the aim of supporting Governments in Africa to build capacity in promoting effective school leadership, for improved quality of teaching, and learning outcomes,” said Dr. Uwamariya.
She explained that teachers also benefit from other training programs polishing their competencies especially in ICT.
Dr. Uwamariya also shared Rwanda’s solutions to address emerging challenges in the education sector where teachers were provided with laptops and equipped with relevant skills to continue assisting students through online classes during COVID-19 pandemic.
Some school leaders have revealed that teachers still need more training programs because they have not yet acquired enough skills.
“Many teachers have not yet acquired enough ICT skills but we are grateful that the Government of Rwanda and other partners have expended much effort in teachers’ training to carry out their jobs smoothly,” said Father Jean Paul Mushimiyimana, the head teacher of teacher Training College (TTC) Zaza.
{{Teachers’ gap}}
Figures from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) show that Sub-Saharan Africa alone requires 15 million more teachers to reach the educational goals by 2030 whereby stakeholders need greater investments and innovative approaches to face this issue.
Carlos Vargas-Tamez, Head of Teacher Development at UNESCO’s Task Force for Teachers attributed the gap to two major reasons including meager salary and the nature of teacher’s job.
Carlos Vargas explained that the percentage of national budget allocated to the education sector is still insufficient where it should be between 15 and 20% instead of the current 3 to 6% within all countries.
He revealed that the inadequate budget results into low salaries for teachers and discourages people interested to pursue courses in education.
Teachers play a critical role to advance quality education. However, they need to be provided with an environment that values willingness to take risks and help them improve livelihoods.
Considering their outstanding contribution to the society, the Government of Rwanda has put in place different initiatives to improve their wellbeing, facilitating them to access financial services and salary increment among other social protection programs.
To this end, Rwanda plans to facilitate interested teachers to pursue studies up to Master’s degree with fully paid and non-refundable scholarship.
Among others, the Government has committed to provide half of school fees for students enrolled in Teacher Training Colleges (TTC) after revising existing curriculum.
Students pursuing courses in education at the university will not be required to refund the scholarship as so long as they are serving in the education sector after graduation.
Other incentives for teachers include salary increment to motivate them, improve their wellbeing and subsequently paving the way for quality education.
Since 2019, teachers from secondary and primary schools started receiving 10% annual salary increment. An additional 10 percent was made in 2020.
The increment was also considered in the fiscal year 2021/2022 despite difficult times of COVID-19 the country is going through.
Dr. Uwamariya explained that these incentive programs are expected to attract public’s attention to this profession.
It also goes hand in hand with increasing the number of teachers and reduce students’ overcrowding.
In 2020 academic year, the Government of Rwanda recruited 28,000 teachers and placed more 30,000 in 2021.
The handover ceremony took place on Tuesday 23rd November 2021, at GS Paysannat L C, one of the schools hosting refugee students from Mahama camp and others from surrounding communities in Mahama sector, Kirehe District.
Speaking at the event, the UNHCR Rwanda Deputy Representative, Boubacar Bamba, said that this is one of the programmes that the UNHCR, working closely with the Government of Rwanda, is supporting to improve access to inclusive equitable quality education for refugee and host community children through technology that facilitate connected learning in the country.
“Education is a priority for the Government, UNHCR and our partners. It’s important that we take good care of the education process because it is a way for people to learn and be self-reliant later when they achieve their curriculum,” he said.
The new initiative is rolled out in partnership with Profuturo Foundation, a digital education programme created by Telefónica Foundation and ¨la Caixa¨ Foundation to narrow the education gap in the world by improving the quality of education of boys and girls living in vulnerable environments.
The project, implemented by UNHCR and its partners ADRA and World Vision, will equip 15 national schools hosting refugees with ICT equipment such as laptop computers, tablets, projectors, routers and other essential accessories necessary for setting up digital education programme. The schools are located in Gatsibo, Gicumbi, Kirehe, Gisagara, Nyamagabe, and Karongi districts. The programme targets around 17,952 students of grades 4-6.
As part of this project, UNHCR has also built and furnished 3 ICT rooms, one each at GS Nyabciwamba in Nyabiheke, Paysannat L-C in Mahama, and at EP Umbano in Kiziba refugee camp.
The Head of ICT in Education Department at REB, Dr. Christine Niyizamwiyitira, lauded UNHCR for renovating and furnishing smart classrooms and for implementing education technology to enhance learning outcomes.
“I call upon our partners to continue supporting basic education with emphasis on empowering ICT integration in education towards the 21st century labor market,” she said.
These include Senior six General Education, Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) and Level 5 of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“MINEDUC informs the public, students, and parents in particular that the results of National Examinations for S6 General Education, Year 3 results (TTC), and Level 5 (TVET) will be officially released on 15 November 2021 at 14:00 PM,” the Ministry has revealed via Twitter handle.
At least 52.145 students including 22,894 boys and 26,892 participated in the national exams conducted recently in the school year 2020/2021.
The move follows the publication of results for primary six and ordinary level national exams early October 2021.
The ceremony that took place on Thursday 28th October at Ubumwe Grande Hotel also flagged-off the 2021 edition of the Seeds for the Future training Program that will happen virtually.
The Huawei ICT Academy is a Huawei-authorized project for industry-academy cooperation. It aims to provide students the latest ICT technologies and knowledge, as well as to develop professionals that can meet the requirements of customers and partners from Huawei’s industry chain. It is a non-commercial agreement between Huawei and universities, colleges that brings the latest professional certifications.
This partnership between Huawei, MINEDUC, MINICT and the universities of Rwanda is geared towards ICT talent development in Rwanda.
The ceremony was graced by the State Minister in charge of ICT and TVET, Claudette Irere, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and Innovation Yves Iradukunda, Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Mr. Wang Jiaxin and the Huawei Managing Director Yangshengwan.
Iradukunda said that they are willing to work together with companies like Huawei that contribute towards the ICT development of the people of Rwanda. He also encouraged more institutions to join initiative like the Huawei ICT Academy that will quicken the teaching of new ICTs to the students in Rwanda.
Minister Irere stressed the need to reform traditional teaching content in order for Rwanda to keep with the emerging cutting edge technologies in the world today such as 5G and A.I among others.
She also emphasized the relevance to have more certification programs to nurture the available ICT talent.
“As new technologies such as A.I, 5G rise, there is a general need to reform existing one and focus on the new so that we keep up with the times. This starts by reforming traditional teaching content to guarantee that it relates to industry practices. To meet this need our education sector needs to work with private sector such as Huawei to train, skill and jointly develop courses needed by the industry,” she said.
“I believe those will take part will make Rwanda proud as you interact, participate and share knowledge with other students,” added Irere.
She called upon the students to use the seeds for the future program to create networks that will further their ambitions in life and also added that she is honored to flag off the 2021 seeds for the future program.
The Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Wang Jiaxin said that he has witnessed Huawei Rwanda’s seeds for the future program since 2018 till today and he appreciates such initiatives Huawei Rwanda is doing for the people of Rwanda. He stated that such initiatives from Chinese companies in Rwanda till this year also mark a milestone of the 50 years relationship between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Rwanda.
Huawei aims to establish more ICT Academies in Rwanda and with universities in order to skill more ICT talents of the country and contribute to the ICT talent pool. According to the Country Director Huawei Rwanda Mr. Toni Yangshengwan, the company looks to train and certify over 1000 students through Huawei’s various programs in the next two years.
“With the Huawei ICT academy in Rwanda, we aim to connect universities with industry to gain new insight into new technology trends, to open our doors for universities and students to access latest technologies and Huawei online learning resources and enhance student career competitiveness and employment rate among others. We shall train and certify more than 1000 Rwanda students and professionals in the coming years with our recognized ICT professional courses. So we request all universities in Rwanda to open doors for us,” he said.
The Huawei certification courses at associate, professional and expert level include; 5G, A.I, cloud, Wlan, Datacom and IOT among others.
The Seeds for the future program in Rwanda started in 2018 and over 15 Rwandan students have gone to Chine up to 2019. Since 2020, the program was moved online and since then the number of students tripled. This year’s online training program has attracted 30 students from majorly University of Rwanda, Rwanda Polytechnic and also a selection of students through MINICT from other institutions that are not yet Huawei ICT Academies.
This eight day virtual training consists of three hour pre-recorded courses and 13 hours of live stream in technology entry level and advanced sessions such as 5G, A.I and Cloud. The seeds for the future program shall cover hot topics of the tech industry such as cyber security and also give interactive visit sessions to the Huawei’s exhibition halls etc.
Mr. Tonni Yang Shengwan further encouraged the students to attend the virtual training fully for them to be able to graduate, acquire Huawei certification, goodies and internship opportunities.
The first set of e-Learning materials channeled through audio tools provides access to transferable employability skills to students. The second set of e-learning materials will reinforce and/or increase the capacity of trainers to integrate e-learning, while the third set of the BRITE e-learning materials will improve the capacity of the trainers to prepare the students for industrial attachment and also serve as self-learning materials to students.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the challenge of delivering practical lessons remotely. It is now more than ever critical to look at the role of digitalization of TVET in equipping youth for the future of work as digital skills have become vital in a world of increasing adaptability skills. Projects like BRITE are key to start embracing this new normal and support this change in education,” said Rica Rwigamba, Rwanda Country Head at the Mastercard Foundation.
BRITE works closely with Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) and the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) to increase knowledge and assets to adopt a blended teaching and learning approach. Through the integration of a variety of interactive e-learning materials, BRITE will help enhance the quality and impact of face-to-face training while increasing the readiness of students, trainers, and institutions to adapt to unforeseen changes. This will enable continuity of learning in the event that in-person teaching is disrupted.
“One of the strengths of the BRITE project is that these e-learning materials are co-developed with trainers and students of TVET schools and IPRCs, building on their knowledge and direct experience in the real teaching and learning context, while introducing a blended approach to teaching and learning that is new for the sector,” said Alejandra Bonifaz, EDC Country Director
Supported by the Mastercard Foundation, BRITE will work with RP and RTB to supplement and strengthen their training delivery model and student transition to the workplace.
{{About BRITE }}
Building Resilience in TVET Through e-Learning (BRITE) is a 2-year project funded by the Mastercard Foundation, through COVID-19 recovery and resilience program. It is implemented by Education Development Center, in close collaboration with Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) and Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) and in partnership with Akazi Kanoze Access (AKA) to reach 8 Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centers (IPRCs) and/or some TVET Schools, 40,000 students across levels 3-7 and 133 trainers.
{{About the Mastercard Foundation}}
The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and management.
For more information on the Foundation, please visit: www.mastercardfdn.org
The 45 graduates including 25 girls and 20 boys received certificates during a ceremony that took place on 14th October 2021.
They graduated from various combinations including sciences, technology and mathematics among others.
The school also offers courses to learners from nursery and primary school.
During the ceremony, the school also awarded 58 learners from primary and secondary education who exhibited excellent performance during international exams. They received different prizes including laptops and certificates of recognition.
Speaking on behalf of their colleagues; Vanessa Kaliza Uwase who graduated from the combination of Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology (MCB) and Samuel Ndagijimana, a graduate from the combination of History Economy and Geography (HEG) narrated how they went through difficult times due to COVID-19 pandemic which prompted the school to shift to virtual classes.
“It was a cumbersome situation but we overcome hard times with the support of educators who walked with us day to day to attend online classes until we successfully completed courses,” said Ndagijimana.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Principal of Wellspring Academy, Stephen Rudakemwa thanked God for having capacitated them to keep soldiering on until students graduated despite challenging times went through.
“Today, we are thankful to Almighty because our students have successfully completed secondary education amidst mishaps brought by the pandemic,” he said.
Rudakemwa revealed that the school also takes pride for continued progress to meet its objectives.
“There are several achievements inducing pride as Wellspring Academy is instilling Godly values. God is helping us to meet objectives with which the school was established. We have to be thankful to God because students graduate with excellent performance and high standard of discipline,” he noted.
Rudakemwa expressed optimism that acquired knowledge will be applied efficiently to bring positive changes to their respective community.
He also urged parents to remain closer to their children because the journey to upbring them properly is ongoing.
Dr. Charles Murigande who was the guest of honour congratulated graduates, parents, school management and other employees for their commitment to support students along their intellectual journey.
He also reminded parents to take care of their children as they begin a new walk of life.
“Their education doesn’t end today. It is the beginning because they need to pursue studies at university and rise through other higher levels of education. Parents have to stay close to them so they can uphold Rwandan values,” noted Dr. Murigande.
The Board of Directors at Wellspring Academy, Lambert Bariho reminded graduates to uphold Christian values acquainted from the school.
Established in 2007, Wellspring Academy is an international Christian school that was created with a vision of producing a new generation of Servant leaders to bless Rwanda and display the best of Rwanda to the world.
The School located in Nyarutarama, Gasabo district of Kigali City, has a nursery school, primary as well as a secondary school.
It offers courses under Cambridge international program.
Graduates have been pursuing studies in the United States of America, Canada and Rwanda among others.
In June 2020, the Government of Rwanda launched a project to build 22,505 classrooms and 31, 932 latrines to reduce overcrowding and long walk for some students to reach schools.
They were built on funding of the World Bank in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda while citizens lend a hand through community work.
Habitegeko has said that construction of 4759 classrooms in Western Province nears completion.
“President of the Republic capacitated us to build 4759 classrooms in this province through performance contracts of the just ended year. We have not yet reached 100% by the time schools resumed but we are glad that 96,3% of targeted classrooms have been completed. The remaining 3.7% will also be completed in the near future,” he said.
Father Paulin Mushimiyimana, the head teacher of Saint Pierre Groupe Scolaire in Kivumu sector has said that eight newly constructed classrooms have helped to reduce overcrowding.
“New classrooms have played a significant role in reducing students’ overcrowding especially in Kivumu sector and the school I am heading. Before, a classroom would accommodate 70 students, a number which has reduced to 45 and 50. This shows how the classrooms were very much needed,” he said.
