In accordance with a cabinet policy announcement last October, affirming that all public servants learn English, the government and the private sector are set to join hands at ensuring its success.

A document obtained from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour states: "…government will work closely with concerned institutions to develop English training within the private sector and civil society.”

Given the benefits expected from adopting English as an official language, among which is easing communication within the East African Community (EAC) member states, a lot of effort is being invested towards this end. 

According to the document, employers in all sectors are called upon to ensure that their employees participate in this initiative.

The first phase of the project will start in January 2009 to last for a year,  the search for other trainers and logistics are still underway.

Owing to the fact that the expertise in teaching English is not enough in Rwanda, the labour ministry has collaborated with the Rwanda Institute of Administration and Management (RIAM) to facilitate public servants to learn the language.

Apparently, the Labour Ministry has already identified trainees for the programme in higher level public institutions, ministries and public agencies.

While, provisional figures indicate that fifteen thousand (15,000) public servants have expressed interest in learning the language.

Since public servants’ knowledge of the English language differs from person to person, each will be placed at their level with training beginning at the same time for all levels.

All trainees will sit for exams as a means of evaluating the project’s progress at each level.

"After completing all the levels, a trainee will be given a final certificate upon completion of all the phases of training,” the document stated in part.

The success of the programme is, however, hinged on Rwandans themselves and by the look of things, they will measure up to the call.

Ends