Next week, most schools will open for the first term, but before that, both parents and students have to undertake some preparation. As a routine, the ‘back to school’ period is characterised by busy streets with peddlers almost moving at an arm distance and shoppers flooding down town markets for scholastic materials. So as you get ready for the new term, what should you take into stock?

Early shopping

Yonas Iradukunda, a parent in Kimihurura, advises that since supermarkets get flooded with people at the last minute, shopping of most school materials should be done on time.

"Ask the child for the shopping list early enough. This allows you to prepare yourself financially in case the budget is big,” she says.

Iradukunda adds that timely shopping reduces on blunders, which can arise from spontaneous shopping.

"Especially with food products such as concentrated juices which are perishable, it is easy to miss out the expiry date,” she says.

Pauline Mukarugwiza, a mother in Kimichanga, says that early shoppers can spot discounts easily.

"Supermarkets understand that lower prices would attract more shoppers and because some discounts are higher in some places, only an alert shopper can establish the right place,’ Mukarugwiza explains.

For example the price of suitcases varies depending on the size but some traders are willing to offer huge discounts.

"Depending on your budget, for example, metallic suitcases range from Rwf 4,000 to Rwf 13,000 but the person selling at the latter price can even accept Rwf 11,000 on a dry day. Such haggling becomes easier when you shop early,” she adds.

Yves Nkuriyikinfura, a dealer in scholastic materials in Nyabugogo, expects to reap more sales between this week and next week as students rush to do last minute shopping.

"The common items they go for are socks, books, pens, pencils and geometry sets and because most of them buy when rushing to board buses, negotiation on prices is thus limited,” says Nkuriyikinfura.

However, Geofrey Turatsinze, a trader in electronics, advises heavy shoppers to hit the market early enough before traffic jam hots up.

"If you are the kind who needs to shop in bulk, it is better for you to go shopping when there is no congestion in the city; otherwise it is more difficult during rush hours,” says Turatsinze.

Unfortunately, not all the parents are willing to take-up such advice.

A study done by Deloitte on more than 1,000 consumers in the US revealed that 38 per cent believed that the back-to-school shopping season is less important to their family because they replenish supplies year-round although those who participate in the traditional back-to-school season, claimed would do it later. 

Only 14 per cent of respondents agreed completing their shopping one or two months before the school year in 2015, compared to 19 per cent in 2014. 

Much as such research has not been undertaken here, it is common knowledge that most parents would rather do the back-to-school shopping in the last few days preceding the opening of the term.

Focus on useful textbooks

Marie Vianney Dunia, a teacher at ES Kianza in Rulindo, says parents should ensure that important textbooks are included on the shopping list.

"I assume areas where students are weak are always identified during the holiday. Focus should be on how to improve areas where students have been weak,” explains Dunia.

According to Darius Murangwa, the communications officer at University of Rwanda’s College of Education, atention should dwell on integrating students into the school culture.

"When coming from a holiday, it is like students have experienced a hangover staying away from books. Providing good books would ensure that they easily catch up with the fresh term,” explains Murangwa.

Medical check-ups 

Although schools request for medical records of every student at the point of admission, there are times when holidaymakers return with diseases to school.

Dunia, therefore, advises that prior to returning to school for the new term, parents should take their children for medical check-ups.

"When students return to school, you cannot be sure of their status. It should thus be the duty of both the parent and the school to ensure that a learner is in good health when they report to school,” he advises.

Frank Shaka, the headmaster of Essa Nyarugugunga in Kanombe, echoes Dunia’s views, saying that students may have underlying health problems obtained during the long holiday that should not be ignored.

"Most diseases may not be contracted during the holiday but still medical tests are very important. For example, for students who have eye problems or those who may have got pregnant can only be identified through certain medical tests,” Shaka explains.

He also advises that school dues should be cleared as early as possible because some schools which engage in beginning of term exams dismiss defaulters on the first day of the term.

"There are schools with an arrangement of conducting exams in the first week when students report. For a fees defaulter, there would be a lot of inconveniences,” he adds.

Ronald Wandira, a history teacher at Riviera High School, is opposed to parents who delegate people to drop off their children at school.

"It is wrong to trust people with your own children because you cannot establish their intentions. Secondly, when you drop off your own children at school, it is another opportunity to speak to the available school teachers or authorities,” says Wandira.

Because transport can be tricky when reporting back to school, Pascal Musabyimana, a bus driver, advises those who intend to use public means to upcountry schools to be at the bus terminal early.

"During this period, there is an overwhelming number of students and as you know in any business the principle of first come first serve applies, although we give priority to students on such days,” explains Musabyimana.

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HOW PREPARED ARE YOU FOR THE NEW TERM?

Delia Ishimwe, S4 student, IFAK: I have tried to work on my weaknesses during this long holiday, especially in the subjects that I have not been performing well in. Next term I am determined to work hard in S4, so that I make my parents proud. I will also try to do more research in my academic work.

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Patience Hirwa, S2 student, Kigali Parents School: Since I am going to a new class, I am determined to put in more effort than before. This new term I will also make friends with students who are in higher  classes so that they can share their experiences with me about how to handle academics at my level.

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Patrick Rwisumbura, S3 student, Saint Famille: I have made sure that my parents have provided me with everything I may need for school work. With this, there will be no reason for not performing well at school. Making friendship with my teachers is also my plan, so that I get any assistance that I may need promptly.

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Joseph Nizeyimana, S5 student, GS Rugando: Last term I emerged among the top ten in my class, but this new term I will work hard so that I appear in the top five. I believe I will make it since during the holiday I came up with a study plan, which I am going to follow strictly. I am sure it will have a positive impact on my academic results.

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Emmanuel Ndahiro, S4 student, Remera Protestant: Last term I had a cell phone at school, but this new term I will not. This is because I have realised that sometimes I waste most of the time on the phone instead of studying. I will also make use of my friends who are good in class to assist me where I am weak.