Vision Media

Government Program Reintegrates Tens of Thousands of School Children

Mugisha R. John — 2026-01-20T10:28:08Z

More than 71,000 children who had dropped out of school across Rwanda have returned to classrooms through the government's “Zero Out of School: Abana bose bige” initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Education with Save the Children Rwanda.

The five-year project identified over 189,000 children who were out of school. Officials say poverty, lack of school materials, and family conflicts are the main reasons for dropouts.

Paulin Ndahayo, project manager, said, “So far, we have managed to bring back over 71,000 children, and we continue to track and support the rest.”

For parents like Solange Nyirahabimana, the program has been life-changing. Her child had left GS Rusheshe Primary School in Kicukiro District due to a disability.

“With the project's support, my child returned to school, and now both my children are happy and learning well,” she said.

GS Rusheshe has reintegrated 26 children who had previously dropped out. School head Jean de Dieu Ntagungira said some students had disabilities or lacked parental support and school materials, which contributed to their absence.

The initiative also partners with Education Above All, a Qatari education organization, to provide resources and support to schools and families.

Officials say the project is helping children overcome barriers to learning and aims to ensure that every child in Rwanda is back in school within five years.

“Education is a key tool for breaking cycles of poverty and social exclusion,” Ndahayo said. “Bringing children back into school benefits not just the child but the entire community.”

Fire Destroys Students' Dormitory at Rwamagana Girls' School; No Injuries Reported

Mugisha John — 2025-11-03T11:50:05Z

A fire on Monday morning destroyed a dormitory at the Institute of Women for Excellence (IWE) Secondary School in Rwamagana District, burning students' property but leaving no injuries, authorities said.

The fire broke out around 10 a.m. while students were in classrooms, according to school officials. The dormitory, which housed about 150 beds, was completely gutted, with mattresses, bedding, clothing, and other personal belongings reduced to ashes.

“No student was hurt because everyone was in class when the fire started,” a school administrator said. “Unfortunately, all the students' belongings were lost.”

The Rwanda National Police Fire and Rescue Brigade quickly responded and prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings. However, by the time it was extinguished, much of the dormitory's contents had already been destroyed.

Parents expressed concern about the losses, saying the incident has disrupted students' learning. “The children were in the middle of the school term,” one parent said. “They have nowhere else to go, and the school has suffered a huge setback. The government should help rebuild and allow learning to continue.”

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Local officials said they are working with the Ministry of Education and partners to support affected students and restore normal learning conditions.

“The good news is that no lives were lost,” a district official said. “We are assessing the damage and coordinating emergency assistance for the students.”

The Institute of Women for Excellence is a prominent girls' secondary school in Rwanda's Eastern Province, known for promoting education and leadership among young women.

Israel Embassy Supports Students in Science and Technology Innovation Drive

Mugisha John — 2025-10-30T10:21:04Z

The Embassy of Israel in Rwanda, in partnership with STEMpower, has launched a science and technology innovation competition that will bring together university students from across the country to showcase their research and inventions.

The competition, set to begin Nov. 6, aims to promote creativity and problem-solving among students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Participants will present innovations designed to address real-world challenges in education, agriculture, climate change, finance, and other key sectors.

Before the competition, students underwent intensive training at IPRC Kigali to refine their projects and gain hands-on skills to improve their designs.

On Oct. 29, Israeli Ambassador to Rwanda Einat Weiss visited the trainees and praised their dedication and creativity. She said she was impressed by the students' potential to develop solutions that could have a lasting impact on Rwanda's development.

“We initiated this program because I strongly believe there are people in this country with remarkable knowledge and the ability to create groundbreaking innovations in science and technology,” Weiss said. “I see this potential every day as I travel around Rwanda.”

Weiss encouraged the students to continue conducting research and to explore ways to turn their ideas into practical solutions that can be scaled up and commercialized.

Espoir Serukiza, country director of STEMpower Rwanda, said the collaboration with the Israeli Embassy is meant to empower students with innovative projects and help them turn those projects into tools that benefit communities.

He said that while many students registered, only 30 projects were selected for the competition, and six will be awarded for outstanding performance.

STEMpower Rwanda operates 10 science and technology labs across the country, providing young people with equipment and mentorship to put classroom knowledge into practice.

The competition underscores Israel's growing partnership with Rwanda in advancing education, innovation, and sustainable development through science and technology.

Teachers will be Equipped with AI Skills to Future-Proof Education

Mugisha John — 2025-10-23T17:54:33Z

Rwanda has launched a nationwide program to train teachers in Artificial Intelligence (AI), aiming to prepare students and schools for a rapidly changing technological world.

The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) said the initiative is a key part of Rwanda's Vision 2050 and the government's five-year development plan, which emphasizes building capacity across sectors to drive sustainable growth.

“Change starts with teachers,” Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana said Thursday at the African Conference on AI in Education and Workforce Development in Kigali. “In collaboration with MIT RAISE and other partners, we are training teachers in AI to equip them with the skills to enhance learning and adapt to new technologies.”

The program will enable teachers to design lessons aligned with national curricula, track student progress in real time, and provide targeted support where needed. MINEDUC stressed that AI is not just a technology, but a tool to strengthen education, health, agriculture, and governance.

The ministry said the training complements efforts to expand STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, technical and vocational training, and inclusive curricula that foster digital literacy, programming, and innovation.

Public-private partnerships will support wider access, including in rural schools, while ensuring AI tools are available to students with disabilities or language challenges.

MINEDUC also thanked organizers of the Mobile World Congress Kigali 2025 for advancing discussions on Africa's technological future and helping educators prepare students to thrive in an AI-driven world.

“By equipping teachers with AI skills today, we are laying the foundation for an education system that meets the demands of tomorrow,” Nsengimana said.

Premier Urges Graduates to Drive a Knowledge-Based Economy

Mugisha John — 2025-10-17T14:22:30Z

Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has urged graduates of the University of Rwanda (UR) to use their education to foster innovation and contribute to the country's knowledge-based economy, reminding them that graduation is a beginning, not an end.

He delivered the message on Friday, October 17, 2025, during the university's graduation ceremony at UR Stadium in Huye District, where 9,529 students from seven colleges received their degrees.

“This milestone is not the end but the beginning,” Dr. Nsengiyumva said. “The road ahead will present challenges, but it will also open opportunities. Work hard, think critically, and avoid shortcuts. Change only happens when people act.”

The prime minister emphasized that graduates are key to Rwanda's development ambitions and should apply their knowledge to create jobs, solve local problems, and strengthen innovation.

“You are the strength of this nation,” he said. “Use the skills you gained here to safeguard our achievements and contribute to Rwanda's future.”

Dr. Nsengiyumva also called on graduates to uphold Rwandan values such as discipline, integrity, and patriotism. He warned that personal conduct would affect their ability to succeed.

“Be young people who love your country and value hard work,” he said. “Avoid behaviors like laziness, drunkenness, or immorality that can derail your future.”

Prof. Didas Kayihura Muganga, vice chancellor of the University of Rwanda, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to embrace new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), which is shaping the global economy.

“We applaud your dedication and sacrifices,” Prof. Muganga said. “The world is changing fast, and technology, including AI, will help you face future challenges.”

He thanked parents and guardians for their support and urged graduates to remain connected to the university, serving as ambassadors for UR and Rwanda wherever they go.

Calleb Mitari, speaking on behalf of the graduates, thanked the government, lecturers, and families for their guidance, pledging that the class of 2025 would honor their support by contributing to Rwanda's growth.

“We will not disappoint those who guided us,” Mitari said. “We are committed to innovation and excellence, both nationally and internationally.”

Among the graduates, 8,462 earned undergraduate degrees, 697 earned master's degrees, and 35 received PhDs.

Dr. Nsengiyumva reminded graduates that a degree is only a foundation, urging them to continue learning, stay disciplined, and pursue excellence.

“What you do from here will define Rwanda's future,” he said. “Our vision is clear—a knowledge-based nation—and you are its cornerstone.”

Rwanda Coding Academy Plans Nationwide Expansion to Boost Tech Innovation

Administrator — 2025-10-17T13:57:51Z

Rwanda Coding Academy (RCA) has announced plans to open new branches across the country to support the government's vision of positioning Rwanda as a leading technology hub in Africa.

The announcement was made by RCA Director General Dr. Papias Niyigena during the RCA Hackathon, a competition where students develop tech-based projects aimed at solving real-world community problems.

Niyigena said RCA graduates are producing innovative projects capable of addressing challenges both in Rwanda and globally. However, he noted that the academy currently enrolls far fewer students than what is needed to meet growing demand in the labor market.

“For the next intake, we will only admit 80 students, which is not enough,” he said. “We plan to expand soon and open new campuses to increase student numbers. We need to reach a higher level.”

Since opening in 2019, RCA has gained a reputation for nurturing young Rwandans with exceptional skills in coding and problem-solving. Niyigena said he has witnessed remarkable progress among students over the past five years, underscoring the need to support their ambitions with better facilities and mentorship.

During the recent RCA Hackathon, 20 teams of students competed with projects showcasing strong technical and creative skills. The winning team, “Smarten,” developed a digital solution designed to help water companies detect and reduce losses caused by leaking pipelines.

The system instantly alerts relevant authorities when a pipe bursts, pinpointing the exact location of the leak for quick repair.

Kirenga Kenny, leader of the “Smarten” team, said the innovation aims to help institutions such as the Rwanda Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) prevent major losses from undetected water leaks.

“When a pipe bursts, our system immediately notifies the company and identifies the affected area,” Kirenga said. “This project can help Rwanda save millions of liters of water that would otherwise go to waste.”

He added that the technology can also benefit individual households, as it can be connected to home water systems and controlled remotely through a mobile phone.

Eng. Paul Umukunzi, Director General of the Rwanda TVET Board, urged government institutions and private companies to support student innovations from RCA and other ICT-focused schools. He said their solutions could play a key role in tackling Rwanda's development challenges.

RCA was established to equip secondary school graduates with advanced computer programming and engineering skills, reducing reliance on foreign expertise.

The academy offers a three-year program in software engineering, cybersecurity, and embedded systems. Since its inception, RCA has graduated 117 students, and more than 110 are expected to complete their studies in the 2024–2025 academic year.

Students Lead the Way in Family Nutrition Awareness

Administrator — 2025-10-06T16:47:25Z

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Vision Rwanda are teaching primary and secondary school students how to prepare balanced diets, aiming to have children pass this knowledge on to their families.

The campaign, part of the “One UN Nutrition Project,” focuses on combating malnutrition in Ngororero District. Lessons cover proper nutrition, food safety, and hygiene, reaching 2,429 students at Rwili School Complex in Muhanda Sector.

Tuyizere Costantin, head of Rwili School, said children can influence their families. “Explaining the benefits of a balanced diet to children encourages them to ask parents to prepare nutritious meals,” he said, noting that many households previously served only one type of food.

Fabien Uwimana, a first-year secondary student, said the lessons helped him understand nutrition. “Now I can teach my parents how to prepare balanced meals,” he said.

Jean Yves Ntimugura of World Vision said children are effective agents of change in household nutrition. FAO nutrition officer Dr. Christine Mukantwali emphasized that fighting malnutrition requires everyone's involvement and that school campaigns give hope for a healthier future.

A January 2025 report by the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) and the National Child Development Agency (NCDA) showed that of Ngororero's 11,855 children, 78.3% are no longer malnourished, reflecting the impact of community and government efforts.

CHANCEN International, HEC Partner to Boost Job-Ready Skills for Rwandan Youth

Administrator — 2025-10-01T13:08:18Z

CHANCEN International has teamed up with Rwanda's Higher Education Council (HEC) to equip students with skills needed for the job market and reduce youth unemployment, officials said Monday.

The partnership aims to strengthen universities, improve teaching quality, and connect graduates with employment opportunities. Both parties will share expertise and develop practical approaches to make higher education more aligned with labor market demands.

Signed on Sept. 29, 2025, the collaboration emphasizes staff training, technical support, and modern student assessment methods to ensure learners graduate with relevant skills.

CHANCEN International, based in Germany with operations in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, also provides tuition support under an Income Share Agreement (ISA), allowing students to repay tuition only after finding employment.

Batya Blankers, CEO of CHANCEN International, said, “Our goal is to empower youth through education that directly prepares them for employment. Strengthening universities and linking students to opportunities is an investment in Rwanda's sustainable development.”

Edward Kadozi, HEC CEO, added, “This partnership ensures students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in Rwanda's workforce.”

Since launching in Rwanda, CHANCEN International has supported over 4,500 students, with around 2,000 already repaying tuition under the ISA program.

Kagame Challenges Young Africans to Drive Change

Administrator — 2025-09-25T13:13:17Z

President Paul Kagame on Thursday challenged Africa's youth to take the lead in transforming the continent, urging them to embrace knowledge, responsibility, and action rather than remain passive observers.

Kagame delivered the message in Kigali at the opening of the third cohort of the African School of Governance (ASG), which welcomed 51 master's students from 14 countries. The school, founded in 2022 on his initiative with former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, trains young Africans in governance and leadership to prepare them for high-level roles.

“The education you will receive here will push you to think critically about how to take Africa forward,” Kagame told the students. “This school will prepare you for leadership, but the journey begins within you.”

Kagame outlined three principles for Africa's youth: knowledge of their continent, accountability, and action.

He said young Africans must understand why the continent has lagged behind and be motivated to change it. “Some challenges have been inherited, but many persist because of inaction or indifference,” he said.

The president also emphasized responsibility. “Earn respect for yourselves and in doing so for your countries and your people. Africa cannot expect respect from the world if Africans themselves fail to honor their responsibilities.”

Finally, Kagame called for action. “Do not be spectators,” he said. “Across the world, economies and technology are advancing; Africa cannot afford to remain behind.”

The 51 students beginning studies at ASG come from Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, South Sudan, Gambia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

ASG, which opened its doors in 2023, also serves as a hub for policy dialogue, bringing together governments, the private sector, and academia. It plans to expand its programs to include an Executive Master of Public Administration and short-term leadership training.

ASG Vice President for Academic Affairs Amany El-Sharif described the school as a long-term investment in Africa's future. “Commit to transforming your ideas into solutions that advance the continent,” he told the students.

Kagame concluded with a warning that Africa cannot afford complacency. “Use your time here well; when your countries call upon you for solutions, be ready to deliver. You are the ones we are counting on.”

96% of Ngoma's Young Children Now in Early Childhood Centers

Administrator — 2025-09-20T11:06:30Z

Ngoma District officials report that 96 percent of children eligible for early childhood education — more than 37,000 — are now enrolled in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers, highlighting the district's efforts to expand access to early learning.

Of the 38,954 children of ECD age in the district, 37,456 are currently attending 1,083 centers. These include nine model ECDs, 946 home-based centers, 52 community-run centers, and 76 attached to primary schools.

Ngoma District Mayor Niyonagira Nathalie said the centers not only support children's intellectual, physical, and social growth but also give parents time to engage in other productive activities.

“We are proud of the role ECD centers play in helping our children develop,” Niyonagira said. “This term, 37,456 out of 38,954 children expected to start school are enrolled in ECD centers.”

Assumpta Ingabire, Director General of the National Child Development Agency (NCDA), commended the district for mobilizing parents to send children to ECDs, but emphasized that efforts must continue to reach the remaining 4 percent of children still at home.

“While 96 percent enrollment is impressive, it is not enough. Among those enrolled, only 45.6 percent attend selected home-based centers,” Ingabire said.

Nationwide, Rwanda has seen dramatic growth in early childhood education. The number of ECD centers rose from 4,010 in January 2018 to 31,638 by June 2024. Enrollment increased from 256,000 children to more than one million over the same period.

Officials say the focus now is on reaching full coverage and maintaining quality in both model and home-based centers. They stress that ECD programs are crucial for laying the foundation for lifelong learning, social development, and community engagement.

As Rwanda continues to prioritize early education, Ngoma's experience demonstrates how coordinated efforts between local authorities, parents, and community-run programs can significantly improve access to quality early learning.