Africa-Press – Rwanda. Several former and current government officials have responded to the new Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) campaign dubbed Nawe Wagera Kure, which aims to inspire learners across the country by emphasizing that education can take them further more than anything else. These officials serve as role models, returning to their former schools to motivate students.
The long week campaign which kicked off on March 19 complements various other initiatives designed to keep young learners on track, reinforcing education as the foundation for their future success.
A key objective is to reduce school dropout rates which have already declined significantly due to government efforts. These include engaging parents in policies like the Dusangire Lunch Campaign, a government-backed initiative supporting school feeding programmes to ensure that financial constraints do not force students to drop out.
The 2022/23 Education Statistical Yearbook shows a reduction in the dropout rate for both primary and secondary education.
In primary schools, the dropout rate dropped from 7.1 per cent in 2020/21 to 5.5 per cent in 2021/22, while in secondary schools, it decreased from 9.2 per cent to 7.5 per cent during the same period.
Officials visited schools in Kigali and rural areas, demonstrating that no matter one’s background, education can open doors to great opportunities.
Marie Clare Uwumuremyi, a Member of Parliament, visited her former school G.S Gahengeri located in Cyabakamyi sector in Nyanza District where she began her education in 1986, and later returned as a teacher.
She did her secondary studies in Birambo but had her education interrupted by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which took the lives of her parents and family members. Despite this, she resumed her studies in Rwaza, Musanze District, completing O’ Level, and later pursued A’ Level at Ecole des Sciences Byimana. She initially studied Education before switching to Biology and Medicine, aspiring to become a doctor.
She studied geography at university and later worked at the Land Bureau as a District Land Officer and District Land Valuation Officer. She also served as Chairperson of the National Women Council (CNF) in Southern Province. In September 2018, she became an MP. In December 2019, she was elected to the Executive Committee of the Rwanda Chapter of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP).
“In the past, we studied in schools with poor facilities and lacked good leaders who cared for us. Today, you have better schools, lunch programmes, chairs, and other resources. What more do you need to succeed? You are encouraged by many leaders from your village and cell. Love education and inspire others, as this is what our country needs,” she told learners.
She assured them that whatever career path they choose, the country will support them in achieving their dreams.
“I’ve heard some of you say you want to become soldiers, doctors, and other professionals. But how can you achieve that without education? Our country needs veterinarians, doctors, modern agricultural specialists, and strong professionals in the private sector. The first key to all these careers is school,” she said.
“I started here when I was seven years old, and now I am 46. I have to say that the beginning of everything was right here—this is where I learned my first alphabet,” she added.
Jean Claude Musabyimana, the Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), visited Butete Secondary School in Cyanika Sector, Burera District, where he urged students to take personal responsibility for preparing who they want to be in the future.
The campaign aims to inspire learners across the country by emphasizing that education can take them further more than anything else.
“Preparing who you will be depends on loving school, attending classes well, having good behaviour, obeying the instructions and taking in the good advice of parents and teachers, studying with a purpose, and striving to be who you want to be,” he noted.
In his remarks to the students, the former Local Government Minister reminded them that many government officials, as well as others in different sectors, had studied at the school. He emphasized that success is within their reach.
The long week campaign which kicked off on March 19 complements various other initiatives designed to keep young learners on track, reinforcing education as the foundation for their future success.
“You should study with a purpose and strive to reach as far as possible. Here, I am talking about obtaining high level certification including PhDs. As one of those who studied at this school, I came to speak to you about this programme so that you understand that what I am telling you is possible,” he said.
Nawe Wagera Kure key objective is to reduce school dropout rates which have already declined significantly due to government efforts.
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