For learnersto be able to pursue their dreams — professional or otherwise — in the future, educationists say that it is imperative for institutions to offer practical and purpose-based training to support personal and professional growth.

Faustin Mutabazi, the chief executive officer for  Educational Consultancy Bureau, an organisation that supports education and curriculum activities in Rwanda, says for learners to be able to tackle local and global challenges, it requires innovative solutions that are established collaboratively by individuals with the experience to effectively oversee social change.

He points out that there is no curriculum that focuses on social change per se; however, educators should create opportunities to apply this.

Education is an instrument for social change

Mutabazi says education involves many things, including learning how to face difficulties in life. Learners get acquainted with adages like ‘nothing ventured nothing gained’ (to mean that you have to take a risk in order to get something good) to motivate them, which is part of social change.

"Positive social change results in the advancement of society. Such change can be influenced at any level, especially learning institutions,” he says.

 Nyamata High School in Bugesera District has a programme on social entrepreneurship, where students become part of an entrepreneurial culture from the time they join the school.

According to Didace Munezero, the in-charge of the entrepreneurship department at the school, the programme is meant to equip learners with a full range of skills needed to be impactful in their work, inside and outside the classroom.

He says the programme is vital and part of education, and every student is required to enrol. He adds that it also serves as part of other extracurricular activities at the school.

"Through this experience, students learn how to invent new approaches to societal problems. It also boosts their capacity to tackle challenges creatively as well as providing them with a holistic set of values,” he says.

Also, he notes, schools should incorporate social change in education to help students pursue social sector careers after higher levels of learning.

Alphonse Uworwayeho, a lecturer of mathematics at University of Rwanda, says although introducing this kind of topic at different levels of education is important, integrating social change in higher education has more advantages compared to other levels.

For instance, he says, educators should involve learners in models such as community engaged learning, where students can get an opportunity to work on service-learning projects.

This, he says, could open doors for them to work with local non-profit organisations, which he believes will help them learn how they deliver social change.

"Students will be able to work on projects that support an organisation’s growth while gaining practical skills. At the same time, they will experience the values and culture that guide mission-driven organisations,” he says.

Uworwayeho adds that interacting with the local community outside of the classroom will build compassion, which is required.

The role of education in creating positive social change

Mutabazi says when it comes to socialisation and the transmission of knowledge, the key elements of education, there is need for learners to be sensitised on social change.

He adds that when teachers help students in this particular area, they learn how to handle different personalities, work through disagreements, problem-solve, and exercise self-control, which are all crucial. 

 "Learners grow at their own pace, and so some may possess anti-social tendencies due to influences in their lives, which makes them resistant to socialisation. Therefore, knowing how to deal with this as an educator is vital,” he observes.

Mutabazi says that most importantly, schools should reinforce the concept that actions and choices have consequences.

All of these factors influence the social growth of an individual, thereby increasing the likelihood that learners will become agents of positive social change in the future.

He adds that teachers should instil cultural values of society through activities such as games and storytelling.

Munezero says that civic education is also very important, as it instils a sense of responsibility. He adds that through lessons about leaders, learners develop leadership qualities, which could inspire them to become future leaders. 

Aminadhad Niyonshuti, a teacher at Apaper Secondary School in Kicukiro, says that education is not in alignment with superstition and parochialism, as both are obstacles to positive social change.

Role of parents and teachers

Mutabazi says the role of parents when it comes to social change is to support students and help them understand their role in society.

He adds that the teachers’ role should be to implement social change so that minors learn from their mentors.

"They should be in the position to encourage active participation and research, with ideas coming from students. They should teach students how to think as opposed to teaching them what to think,” he says.

Additionally, Mutabazi says, schools should prepare students to observe the need for change, and believe in their own ability in order to take confident steps towards the progress of society.

Niyonshuti says teachers should make classroom discussions liberal in order to encourage students to actively participate.

Also, he says, teachers should hold discussions amongst themselves about the drive for positive social change and how to implement it.

students share their views

Hezekiel Bizimana, University student

I think teachers should be well informed on current issues. They should be willing and able to adjust to any change; this is because of the new technology and how things are moving fast, especially in the education system.

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Gasper Hategekimina, Student at Rugando Secondary School

Parents and teachers should work closely to ensure learners get all that is needed when it comes to education. They should encourage students to participate in other activities, and not just academics. Also, explain to them how important these activities are, and how they can boost one’s life.

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Juliet Bishumba, Education student at University of Rwanda

Parents are the first people to know their children; they should raise them in a way that will make them responsible citizens in society in the future. Teachers should help shape learners in different areas of interest.

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Gabriel Rwego, Student - Apaper School, Kicukiro

Positive change requires commitment from parents, teachers and students. To achieve anything in life, one requires support from home and school; however, students should also be informed and willing to change for the better.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw