WESTERN PROVINCE

KARONGI — At least 97 percent of Rwandans have acquired primary education since 1994, an official of the Ministry of Education has said.

Narcisse Musabyeyezu, the Inspector General in the Ministry of Education said this on Monday, while commenting on the government’s new education system of 9 year basic education.

This was during a security meeting held at the Province’s auditorium hall in Karongi District. All children starting primary school this year will study 9 years including three years of junior secondary, before joining Ordinary level.

Musabyeyezu appealed to district Mayors to speed up construction of Junior Secondary Schools meant to be set up in each Sector. The junior secondary schools will operate near the already established primary schools.

He told Mayors to include the construction project in this year’s performance contracts in order to facilitate the programme implementation.

He reiterated the government’s policy of using English as the medium of instruction this academic year, advising area academicians to develop a culture of competition in order to raise academic standards.

According to him, the ministry has introduced a double shift system of studying in order to cater for the increasing school enrolment.

Asked whether there was enough man power to implement the programme, he said the ministry plans to get more teachers.

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