Recently, Rwandan President Paul Kagame stated in a speech on the importance of education to continued development in Rwanda: "What you study in schools whichever background, is one big step, its very important but more important is how you use that for that purpose, more importantly how you build on the capacity you have built to contribute to the well-being of your people, society and nation and yourself.” 

These words would be considered mere political rhetoric any other place in the world but in Rwanda, through the diligence of a government focused on development. These words are a call to action met by significant support reinforced by a very strong will to succeed. Many world leaders use the topic of education as a means to rally positive public opinion but very few, actually are fully committed to education as a cornerstone of success as does the Rwandan government. As students of education, politics and government,the adage "actions speak louder than words,” isa determinant of success or failure. In the case of Rwanda and her president, Paul Kagame, the actions taken supporting education and supporting teaching an learning are bold and inspiring.

Recently, as colleagues and I travelled throughout Rwanda, visiting schools, assessing instruction and working with hundreds of teachers on new skill based learning techniques that support the new student based curriculum, we were first-hand observers to both the dedication of Rwandan teachers and total support by the Rwandan government. The 2008 parliamentary vote to add English as a national language, the commitment by teachers, the realisation that new innovative learner centered curriculum was created to aid in Rwanda’s preparation a center business expansion and economic development.

The overwhelming willingness and commitment by the Rwandan government to direct support to teaching learning is extremely rare outside the Americas or Europe. The Rwandan government’s focus on the learner and our verification of early successes by teachers and ultimately the children is just the beginning of a new zenith, a new example of committed government. Personally, we have witnessed Rwandan children in Primary Grade 3 successfully working between mother tongue Kinyarwanda and English.

The Rwandan focus joins an impressive resolve, not only for correct English usage but comprehension as well.

We have witnessed higher order thinking skills being introduced earlier into classrooms leading to more intrinsic learning and we witnessed a renewed excitement to education the youth of Rwanda both to make "Rwanda business ready” but as a dedication to student’s future success. Truly inspiring.

The establishment of professional learning communities, (PLC) through the use of social media has enabled the dedicated teaching staff in Rwanda to share and explore educational ideas, pedagogy and methodology despite being hundreds of miles away. The creation of PLC’s through "Whatsapp” is testament to the resourcefulness of the new Rwandan Education Board teacher leader- mentor model that leads the way in innovation. It is precisely this type of originality and "whatever it takes,” dedication to the next generation of Rwandan students and teachers that will assure continued successes.

"Transformational leadership that will lead to Africa’s prosperity must be confident, assertive, innovative,’ (Paul Kagame) – defines the call to "big picture thinking.”

The innovation of programming across the education sector by the Rwandan government through its ministry focuses on the creation of stronger foundations in education methodology, internet computer technology and career preparation and this vision will lead ultimately to new possibilities for the next generation. This is the Rwandan government that we observe; this is a government and a president who sustains words with deed.

Maybe this devotion to education is the reason Rwanda has moved from past chaos’ to calm, with now rapidly increasing progress? As we travelled throughout this beautiful country, we witness a dedication to citizens like no other; a paramount commitment to intellectualism, real improvements to infrastructure, agriculture development, health, expanded tourism leading to an overall improvement of the human condition. These ever expanding attributes will solidify Rwanda as a leader in African business and promote strong economic growth.

Are there negatives attributed to this commitment to education? The only negatives that are apparent surround the need for increased world grantfunding to sustain success in development.

Education is a key to success. Many world governments, many politicians make promises to promote their own agendas. We find it most impressive that the goal of a more successful tomorrow is lead by a Rwandan government that is committed to the intellectual and thus economic advancement of the next generation. From 1994 to the future; Rwanda is the new phoenix rising.

Dr. Joseph A. Olzacki is the director – Rwandan Teacher Education Programme.

Other contributors are;

Mr. Thomas Moore, Rwandan Teacher Education Programme instructor and administrator – Wethersfield Public Schools, Wethersfield, Connecticut, USA

Ms. Diane Adamason, Rwandan Teacher Education Programme instructor and teacher – Wethersfield Public Schools, Wethersfield, Connecticut, USA