{"id":88154,"date":"2024-10-24T13:24:36","date_gmt":"2024-10-24T13:24:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/national-reading-competition-launched-tipped-to-boost-remedial-learning"},"modified":"2024-10-24T13:40:40","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T13:40:40","slug":"national-reading-competition-launched-tipped-to-boost-remedial-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/culture-and-art\/national-reading-competition-launched-tipped-to-boost-remedial-learning","title":{"rendered":"National reading competition launched, tipped to boost remedial learning"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>The National Reading Competition, part of the Kura Umenye Remedial Learning Programme, was launched on October 23, at SOS Technical School, Kagugu, showcasing 24 learners from eight districts across Rwanda.<\/p>\n

This programme aims to improve foundational learning skills among students who have struggled academically, particularly those in Primary four, five, and six.<\/p>\n

Organised by SOS Children\u2019s Villages in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), the competition highlights the significance of literacy and numeracy in enhancing academic performance for low-achieving students.<\/p>\n

Cissy Uwamahoro, the Head of Finance Department at SOS Children\u2019s Villages, stated that the event provides a platform for students who have made notable progress through the Kura Umenye programme to demonstrate their reading abilities.<\/p>\n

Uwamahoro explained that the Kura Umenye remedial learning programme was initiated to support vulnerable children in 120 schools across the country.<\/p>\n

The competition highlights the significance of literacy and numeracy in enhancing academic performance for low-achieving students.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe programme includes various academic interventions, such as establishing dedicated reading times and spaces, promoting a culture of reading at home and school, and organising debating sessions,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

Uwamahoro noted that over the course of four years, the project aims to enhance the quality of education for more than 32,000 low-achieving children enrolled in a catch-up programme designed to bolster their academic performance.<\/p>\n

Cissy Uwamahoro, the Head of Finance Department at SOS Children\u2019s Villages delivers remarks during the event<\/p>\n

\u201cThe reading competition proves that children who perform poorly in class are not incapable; they simply require tailored support to improve,\u201d Uwamahoro noted.<\/p>\n

She stressed that a unique aspect of the Kura Umenye programme is its emphasis on family involvement, noting that parents are organised into village savings and loan associations to generate income that can support their children\u2019s education. Furthermore, parents receive training on how to actively engage in their children\u2019 academic journeys.<\/p>\n

Uwamahoro stressed: \u201cWithout involving parents, our efforts would be incomplete. We train them on positive parenting and economic empowerment to provide essential support at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Participants in the competition were selected through a multi-tiered process, starting at the school level and advancing through sector and district levels. Each district is represented by three top-performing students, culminating in 24 competitors.<\/p>\n

The students are assessed on reading fluency, communication, and speed using a rubric designed by the organizers, she added.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on the programme\u2019s impact, Uwamahoro noted significant improvements in both reading skills and overall academic performance among many students.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis competition is more than just a reading event; it is a testament to the progress these children have made through the programme. It encourages other learners to strive for success and demonstrates that investing in foundational skills is crucial for long-term academic achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Uwamahoro pointed out that the competition and associated foundational learning campaigns are set to continue annually, with plans to expand the programme to additional schools, ensuring sustainability beyond its current timeline.<\/p>\n

Innocent Rukimbira, a parent of a primary six student in Musanze, shared his child\u2019s transformation through the programme.<\/p>\n

The National Reading Competition is part of the Kura Umenye Remedial Learning Programme<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore, my child struggled academically, but since the introduction of remedial classes, we have learned how to support him better,\u201d Rukimbira said.<\/p>\n

He expressed confidence that the programme will continue to foster his child\u2019s adaptation to the learning environment.<\/p>\n

Melania Uwamungu, a teacher at Rutare in Gicumbi District, has been assisting students in remedial classes for about four years. She highlighted the programme\u2019s focus on key subjects such as mathematics, English, and Kinyarwanda, which have been instrumental in enhancing student performance.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn 2023, we had 18 pupils who previously struggled with reading and writing, but after attending remedial sessions, all of them were promoted to senior one by 2024,\u201d Uwamungu explained.<\/p>\n\r\n