English as a medium of instruction

The year 2008, saw Rwanda introduce English as the official medium of instruction in schools, government institutions and the private sector.

On October 8th 2008, the cabinet asked the Ministry of Education to ensure that all government schools teach in English.

The move which has led to a number of changes in the education sector was a welcome development to many Rwandans.

State Minister for Primary and High Institutions of Learning, Théoneste Mutsindashyaka said during the 6th National Dialogue held December 18 at Parliament that 2009 would be a year of English.

Mutsindashyaka said the use of English as a medium of instruction was part of the government’s plan to integrate with the rest of the world and achieve economic growth and development.

Since Rwanda and Burundi joined the English-speaking East African Community the use of English as a medium of communication was needed to end the language barrier among member states. As a show of commitment to the directive, over 40 language learning centres have been created countrywide this year.

According to Fred Bahati, the Director of the East African Language Learning Centres, the centres are a fast track strategy to ensure that all Rwandans in rural and urban areas learn English. By the end of next year, intensive teaching and adoption of English in all schools and government institutions will be completed.

Nine years of basic education

The 2009 academic year, will set off with a new initiative by the Ministry of Education where all Rwandan children will undergo basic education for nine years. Primary school pupils and ordinary level (O-level) students will first complete nine years before joining advanced level (A-level) in another school of their choice.

According to the Minister of Education Dr. Daphrose Gahakwa, the move will help and protect over 2.2 million primary school pupils from dropping out of school before they acquire basic education.

For this to be effective, the Ministry of Education intends to reduce the number of students per teacher from 74 to 45 as a minimum requirement before implementation.

Examination marking method improves

Examination marking this year was fast, efficient and effective due to changes in the marking system. The ‘Conveyer Belt System’ (CBS) was introduced where a group of markers mark different sections in one examination script. Previously, packages of papers from an examination centre were marked by a single individual.

According to John Rutayisire, the Executive Secretary of Rwanda National Examinations Council (RNEC) the steady increase of candidates each year calls for faster, secure and effective methods of marking.

Ends