The world has witnessed substantial positive changes in Rwanda over the past few years, with many more on the horizon.

The focused change in language of instruction in schools to English is yet another of those brilliant initiatives by this government designed specifically to earn Rwanda a place as a global player in business, diplomacy, media, and entertainment thus bringing Rwanda substantial funds and developing the middle class- a goal of Vision 2020.

In a current advertisement running on television and advertisements printed in business trade publications, the Government of the Philippines states that "the Philippines are ready for world business because of the fluency and competency of its people in English - choose the Philippines!”

This should be Rwanda’s campaign!

In the major business centers of the world; London, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and others, all negotiations are primarily conducted in English. Reuters, a global news and information service, performed a survey asking global businesses in 2012, "What language do you conduct business in?”

"The survey of 16,344 employed adults in 26 countries showed over two-thirds of business people who deal with people beyond their borders said English was the language most often used...more than two thirds of workers in the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa also defaulted to English.”

The brilliant direction of the Rwandan Parliament to adopt English is preparing Rwanda’s children to perform global work, increase capacity and embrace business alliances as an equal partner and desired commodity. If French had remained the language of instruction, the Rwanda work force would be far behind other progressive countries and this would prevent future success.

What can parents do to help?

The Rwandan Education Board (REB) is working diligently to make sure instruction is provided to primary education teachers, ensuring that their teaching skills meet and exceed goals set for Rwandan children.

Teachers are being instructed in the newest reliable techniques in English Language Learning, effective educational methods and conflict resolution skills so that their students may have the skills necessary to fulfill the goals of VISION2020 in the workforce and in higher education. School Based Mentoring (SBM), another REB initiative, will provide well trained educational leaders, passionate about Rwandan children’s success, to each school so that teachers are supported with new methods and modern skills that work.

Children need the help of their parents. Every parent and grandparent can help in their children’s English Language Learning, regardless of what language is spoken in the home. Parents who speak little or no English can contribute to their children’s success in education in very valuable ways.

English language learners will benefit when they are encouraged to "show what they know or have learned " when they are at home.

Family stories and word games in Kinyarwanda, build primary language skills and ultimately contribute to Rwandan children’s bilingualism through using both English and Kinyarwanda, students are developing key language and literacy skills that, if encouraged by their parents, will enable them to understand the importance of becoming excellent speakers and readers in English while never losing their "Rwandaness”.

Practicing English skills with their parents then explaining what students have learned using their first language-Kinyarwanda, children will develop fluency and be comfortable using English and be ready to join the progressive global work force . Knowledge is power.

Learning English is an important road to success for the Rwanda of today and will make Rwandan workers highly prized in a global business world.

The author is the Director of the " Rwandan Teacher Education Program at the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut, USA