Primary schools in the country are set to receive teaching materials, worth Rwf3.1 billion, from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The package meant to support Government’s new competency-based curriculum.

The distribution of 2.5 million teaching and learning materials for Primary One and Two kicked off yesterday, at Ecole Primaire d’Application de Kimihurura in Kigali.

The books will benefit 2,460 schools, reaching an estimated 1.1 million pupils.

Speaking at the launch of the distribution exercise, the U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda Erica J. Barks-Ruggles commended Rwanda Education Board (REB) for its strengthening primary education.

"We are pleased that these books have been officially adopted as part of the new competency-based curriculum that was launched in January,” she said, adding that under the arrangement the Ministry of Education was given copyright of the books to enable their reproduction in future.

The envoy said they had already distributed seven million books over the past five years as part of efforts to help improve literacy and reading culture in Rwanda.

Noting that literacy and reading are key to all other learning, the envoy said qualit competency based materials to teachers and students lays the foundation for all other learning.

"Through our partnership with the Ministry of Education and REB, our combined efforts to improve education outcomes can make a difference in early grade reading and in the future of this country,” she said.

Dr Marie Christine Gasingirwa, Director General of Science, Technology and Research at the Ministry of Education, commended the United States government for providing what she described as raw materials to build a sustainable future for the young people.

She appealed to all Rwandans to embrace a reading culture.

"The culture of literacy will help each of us to develop and support the country’s development as it is a source of empowerment and inspiration. These books are going to open horizons for the children by sharpening their curiosity and critical thinking, thereby building, their confidence,” she said.

Gasingirwa also urged teachers to step up efforts of cultivating a reading culture amongst their pupils, reminding them that they are key to bringing positive change in any education system.

Clementine Kayitanwa, a teacher at Ecole Primaire d’Application de Kimihurura, said the new learning materials had come in handy.

"Children who read are always better at participation in class and grasp what they are learning faster. These books will definitely help not only teachers but also parents, to ensure that children are empowered to read and become active during learning,” she said.

The books are in both English and Kinyarwanda.

This year, primary and secondary teachers nationwide are implementing a new competency-based curriculum which focuses on the development of practical and analytical skills that are needed in the modern workplace.

Education officials say, in addition to training teachers on the new curriculum, the availability of high-quality teaching and learning materials is a key component to its success.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw