Minister of Education Gaspard Twagirayezu presided over the 2023-2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) launch at Groupe Scolaire Gisozi in Gasabo District, on July 8.

Up to 202,999 candidates; 91,189 males and 111,810 females from 3,644 schools, will sit for national exams from July 8 to July 10. There are 1,118 exam centers countrywide.

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During the launch, Twagirayezu noted that students are well-prepared and ready to excel. He praised the continuous improvements in the education sector, stressing key initiatives including the enhancement of school supplies, new programs implemented to keep students engaged and healthy, and increased teaching staff for better learning outcomes.

"Every year, we have improved the calibre of school supplies, implemented programs to keep kids active and healthy, and added more teachers to the workforce – these advancements will yield positive results in the coming years,” Twagirayezu said.

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The Minister called upon parents to play an active role in their children’s exam preparations and overall well-being. He highlighted the importance of timely arrival, by ensuring children reach the examination centres on time, as exams are only given once.

He also stressed the need to assist learners in revision and ensure that they get sufficient sleep for optimal performance.

"Our initiatives, such as school meal programs, require parental participation. We encourage parents to keep their children motivated and attend school,” Twagirayezu urged, underscoring the role of parents in their children’s success.

Twagirayezu said support for students with special needs including larger fonts, additional time, and physical support, was put into consideration during the exams.

"We have teams in place to help any child who needs assistance, so they can take the tests alongside everyone else,” he affirmed.

High school student voters to participate in electoral process

Twagirayezu also provided insights into the upcoming secondary school exams, which commence on July 23. Practical exams have been completed, and students will now focus on written assessments.

In a coordinated effort with the National Electoral Commission (NEC), the Ministry of Education arranged for eligible student voters to participate in the electoral process without disrupting their exams.

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"Lists of these [student] voters have been prepared to facilitate their voting, ensuring that academic and civic responsibilities are well balanced,” Twagirayezu noted.

Presidential and parliamentary elections are set for July 14-15.

In his closing remarks, he encouraged the students to approach the exams with confidence and determination.

"The questions will be reflective of what you have learned. Read carefully, answer confidently, and make an effort to succeed,” he advised.

He highlighted that as the students begin their PLE exams, the collective support from the Ministry of Education, educators, parents, and the broader community illuminate Rwanda’s commitment to nurturing its future leaders through a robust and inclusive educational system.

The examination timetable is as follows:

Monday, July 8: Mathematics, and Social and Religious Studies

Tuesday, July 9: Science and Elementary Technology, and Ikinyarwanda

Wednesday, July 10: English