Churches have pledged increased support to the government’s efforts in the promotion of education, specifically at pre-primary level.

Representatives of religious communities made the pledge in Kigali, on Thursday, during the meeting that was called by the Ministry of Education.

Minister for Education, Papias Malimba Musafiri appreciated the church for their hand in education and encouraged them to include pre-primary education in their education plans.

A fortnight ago, during the joint review of the 2014/15 education performance, Musafiri said the government has turned it’s focus on early childhood education as the foundation of a brighter future of Rwanda, to turn it into a knowledge-based economy.

"Though, pre-primary education enrolment rates have increased in the past financial year, the turn up is still low especially in rural areas. This sub-sector has been given due attention in the new competence-based curriculum and we shall increase the budget allocated for this education as well as supporting local initiatives to expand access,” he said.

The Ministry of Education statistics indicate that pre-primary enrolment rates have increased from 142,471 pupils in 2013 to 183,658 in 2015, reflecting an increase of 29 per cent.

Participants pledged to offer some kindergarten classrooms at their respective existing schools and to provide any other support required for the promotion of early childhood education.

"We shall include pre-primary education in our schools starting next year. The Catholic Church has been supporting government education programmes at higher levels but early education is also important. So, we shall work together to prepare children for primary education,” said Priest Janvier Nduwayezu, the head of education programmes in the Catholic Church in Rwanda.

Reverend Corneille Gato Munyamasoko, the legal representative of the Association of Baptist churches in Rwanda (AEBR), said they would expand education focus from the existing primary and secondary to pre-primary education, starting with the forthcoming academic year.

Olivier Rwamukwaya, the Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education, said the ministry has engaged churches in pre-primary education because this education needs concerted efforts.

"Churches have power to influence their members’ understanding of the education programmes and policies. People will understand better the message from a priest, pastor or sheikh. We need your support to promote this education sub-sector,” he said.

Participants also committed to sensitise church members on other education issues including school hygiene, students’ behaviour and the promotion of adult education, among others.