In 2017, Rwanda launched the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), also known as the Seven Year Government Programme (7YGP), to drive progress across various sectors.
Prime Minister Eduard Ngirente on June 5 briefed lawmakers on the progress towards the achievements of NST1 as it approaches its conclusion, on June 30. He said that despite challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, significant progress was registered.
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Among others, Ngirente emphasized that the primary objective was to improve the quality of education. To achieve this, three key advancements in the sector were identified as crucial for enhancing educational standards.
Reduction of overcrowding through classroom expansion
One of the primary goals was to improve the learning environment by reducing classroom overcrowding. To achieve this, the government significantly increased the number of classrooms.
"Since 2017, we have constructed over 27,000 new classrooms,” Ngirente said.
This expansion has allowed teachers to manage smaller, more effective class sizes, thereby enhancing the quality of education.
Expansion of technical and vocational schools
He said that the second major achievement involved increasing the number of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.
"The number of sectors with technical schools rose from 200 to 392 out of 416 sectors nationwide,” he stated.
The expansion aims to equip more students with practical skills relevant to the job market, supporting Rwanda’s vision for a skilled workforce.
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Improvement of teacher quality and well-being
Ngirente said that a crucial aspect of improving education quality also includes investing in teachers. He emphasized that since the inception of NST1, the number of qualified teachers has increased from 71,041 to 110,523.
"The government has also implemented various measures to improve teachers' well-being, leading to tangible improvements in education outcomes,” he added.
Among other achievements, Ngirente also highlighted the establishment of a school feeding program, which has positively impacted learning outcomes and reduced dropout rates through improving student attendance and concentration, thereby contributing to better educational performance overall.
In addition, he said, significant reforms have been made in higher education institutions, such as University of Rwanda and Rwanda Polytechnic.
Commenting on the progress in achieving NST1 specifically on quality education, Rose Mukankomeje, the Director General of the Higher Education Council (HEC), noted that the number of universities increased, and there is now a greater variety of programs, including master’s and PhD degrees, available in the country.
Mukankomeje noted a rise in the number of foreign students attending Rwandan universities, from over 1,000, seven years ago, to about 10,000 currently.
"This growth reflects the improved quality and international reputation of Rwanda. Additionally, the number of Rwandan students seeking education abroad has decreased, something attributed to the enhanced educational opportunities available domestically,” she said.
Rwigamba Balinda, the founder and president of ULK, a private university, acknowledged the role of the private sector in supporting the government's vision. He highlighted the establishment of technical programmes at ULK, aligning with the national goal to boost Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) uptake.