The change was announced yesterday in Kigali when REB was presenting certificates to students who completed high school in 2016 academic year to school head teachers.
In 2005, the Government of Rwanda had restructured the calendar and academic year was set to start in January instead of September.
The move was aimed at linking the calendar with that of the East African Community member countries.
However, the calendar was continually criticized by parents, students and the Catholic Church saying that it affects concentration of students during the dry season.
In an interview with IGIHE, REB Director General, Dr Irénée Ndayambaje said that the government has taken into consideration the concerns of people and decided to review the calendar.
“The Government of Rwanda took the matter into consideration and the assessment has revealed that Primary and Secondary School year calendar would be corresponding to that of University. The year starting from January has different challenges, like in July and August, children are affected by sunny period,” he explained.
He said that academic calendar review requires carefulness, a reason why they set long period to avoid consequences that may follow.
“As you know, it may affect our curriculum. We are considering how we could implement it steadily by reducing holidays. In 2019, first term may commence at January 7th, while it used to commence in the third week. This means that holidays will take short period,” he explained.
He said that 2019 academic year is likely to end in October for them to secure ample period for national examinations, marking and orientation of primary and secondary school’s ordinary level students.
Collège George Fox de Kagarama Head Teacher, Aaron Mupende welcomed the move saying that it favors people’s financial means.
“Take an example, this year, the dry season started at the end of May, students are not well focused due to sunny period. Another advantage is that the dry spell is harvesting season, enabling farmers afford school fees and requirements,” he explained.
Academic year calendar review is one of the resolutions made in the 2017 national dialogue in line with promoting education in Rwanda.
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