WESTERN PROVINCE

KARONGI — The recent government decision to use English as the medium of instruction in all schools, would make Rwandan teachers more competitive in the region, as they already know a second language (French).

This was observed recently by teachers of ETO Kibuye- a government technical school, during English language training ahead of the next academic year. 

"I think this system is suitable for every francophone teacher. We are so impressed with it since we have joined the East African Community,” Pierre Nzabandora, one of the teachers said, adding that they stand to gain more from the policy as they already know French.

"It is so crucial that we are learning English. Tomorrow we shall become ‘teachers without borders’ compared to those in Uganda or Tanzania as we shall be capable of teaching in francophone schools outside East Africa,” he added.

The teachers expressed optimism that they will be capable of teaching in English by the beginning of the next academic year.

ETO Kibuye is a Francophone school located in Bwishyura Sector, Karongi District, but the former French –speakers said they are working hard to catch up with the new government decision to use English as the new medium of instruction.

Talking to The New Times, the teachers described the shift from French as a positive move, which would help Rwandan teachers move on the same pace with their counterparts in the East African Community.

Peter Habineza, their trainer, said that the teachers are quick learners and they would be in position to deliver lessons in English come next academic year.

"Most of them had some little knowledge of English which makes it easier for them to understand it,” he said.

The government last month reached a step of switching to the use of English as the medium of instruction in the country’s entire education system- to reposition herself as a member of the East African Community that is made up of mostly English-speaking member countries.

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