Africa-Press – Rwanda. Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente is addressing a joint session of both Chambers of Parliament, on Thursday, April 18, outlining the government’s achievements towards improving quality of education at all levels over the past seven years.
While acknowledging significant progress, Ngirente has noted there is commitment to further enhance the education system. Key initiatives he highlighted include the expansion of classrooms, implementation of school feeding programs, enhancement of connectivity, curriculum reforms, increased access to educational resources such as books and laptops, and improved access to clean water.
Ngirente noted a substantial increase in the number of high schools with a 26 percent rise; from 1,567 schools in 2017 to 1,977 in 2023. Correspondingly, student enrolment saw a significant increase, from 531,377 in 2017 to 729,998 in 2023, reflecting the expansion efforts.
The provision of laptops to teachers also saw a remarkable surge, with a 242.4 percent increase, from 4,823 laptops in 2017 to 16,517 laptops in 2023, facilitating enhanced teaching methodologies.
Furthermore, infrastructure improvements were underscored, including the rise in high schools equipped with electricity from 940 in 2017 to 1,718 in 2023, along with an increase in internet-enabled schools and the introduction of smart classrooms.
Budget allocations for primary and secondary education witnessed a substantial rise, from Rwf14 billion in the academic year 2017/2018 to Rwf23 billion in the academic year 2023/2024. Similarly, government contributions to school feeding programmes increased from Rwf6 billion in 2017/2018 to Rwf90 billion in 2023/2024, ensuring improved student welfare.
Ngirente also highlighted the recruitment of 132 teachers from Zimbabwe, enhancing the pool of educators proficient in the English system, a move aimed at raising teaching standards.
Addressing concerns of fee discrepancies, Ngirente emphasized the harmonization of school fees, with pre-primary and primary pupils paying Rwf975 per semester, while boarding high school students pay Rwf85,000 and day scholars paying Rwf19,500.
Ngirente reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to continuously enhancing the quality of education, ensuring equitable access and fostering a conducive learning environment for all students.
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