Africa-Press – Rwanda. The Ministry of Education is exploring ways to connect an additional number of schools, almost matching the 1,500 previously linked to the internet, as part of efforts to expand digital access in the education sector.
Charles Karakye, the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, announced the development on June 27, while appearing before the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to respond to issues raised in the Auditor General’s report for the financial year ending June 30, 2024.
“Preparations are underway to issue a formal acceptance letter, and discussions have already begun regarding a second phase of the internet project,” Karakye said.
Bella Rwigamba, the chief digital officer for the education sector, noted that the initiative is helping to reduce the ministry’s internet expenditure while providing faster and more reliable connectivity for schools.
She explained that the project has already resulted in significant cost savings and improved internet speeds.
“Previously, the cost of the internet in schools was Rwf318,600 for a 5Mbps monthly subscription. Under the smart education project, connected schools now receive 15Mbps for Rwf150,000, representing a reduction in cost and an increase in speed,” she said.
Rwigamba emphasised that the internet service is dedicated exclusively to the education sector, ensuring that school leaders cannot share the connection with external parties, as was sometimes the case in the past.
As of October 2024, up to 2,230 out of 3,653 public and government-aided schools are connected to the internet, according to the Ministry of Education.
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