In a bid to enhance academic performance and curb dropout rates, the Rwanda Education Board (REB) has introduced remedial exams, allowing students to retake exams they may have failed. This initiative has been well-received by parents, who see it as a crucial second chance for their children to succeed academically.

As the 2024 academic year neared its end, Dismas Hagumiyaremye’s child fell ill with pneumonia just as the examination period was approaching. The illness severely impacted her performance, leading her to repeat Primary Two.

Determined to help his child catch up, Hagumiyaremye sought a private tutor. Around this time, REB announced the introduction of remedial exams for students in need.

ALSO READ: REB introduces remedial courses for over 300,000 lower primary pupils

Launched on July 29, the remedial program provides additional class time in Kinyarwanda, Mathematics, and English, specifically designed for Primary One, Two, and Three pupils who were not promoted.

Parents see this as a significant improvement from the previous system, where failing students often had to repeat an entire year or, in some cases, drop out of school. The remedial exams offer a more focused and supportive environment, enabling students to address specific areas of weakness and improve their chances of academic success.

Hagumiyaremye expressed his relief, saying, "With these remedial exams, my child will be able to catch up on the material she missed and strengthen her understanding of the concepts she struggled with.

This targeted approach will make a significant difference in her academic progress. The system not only benefits students academically but also eases the financial burden on parents. I believe this initiative will greatly enhance the education system and help students reach their full potential.”

ALSO READ: Parliament to assess school dropout as it resumes business

Parents in Kayonza, like Hagumiyaremye, have praised the introduction of these remedial exams. The initiative has garnered widespread approval, particularly among those who view it as an opportunity for their children to continue their education without falling behind.

Renatha Uwituze, a single mother and fruit vendor in Kayonza, balances the demands of her job with the challenge of supporting her son’s education. After his sibling moved to the Southern Province, her son’s performance declined, leading to his repeating Primary Two.

"I am grateful for the remedial classes for pupils who failed to get promoted. My son was once a bright pupil, but idleness affected his performance after his sibling left to live with her grandmother. My long work hours made it difficult to monitor his performance. These remedial classes will help him catch up with his classmates and keep him engaged,” Uwituze said.

In Kayonza, over 1,000 teachers have undergone specialised training to effectively implement the remedial exam system.

Kayonza District Mayor John Bosco Nyemazi said, "Teachers in Kayonza are now equipped with the necessary tools and strategies to support students who need extra help in their remedial learning.

ALSO READ: Govt warns parents against school dropouts

This approach allows for more personalised guidance, ultimately leading to improved academic performance. The stigma of failure, which sometimes led to dropouts, will be minimised. We are working closely with REB and the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

As part of broader efforts to support students, officials in Kayonza have also announced that all five-year-old children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers will be enrolled in pre-primary classes to prepare them for primary education at age six.

This initiative aims to provide students with a strong foundation before entering primary school, setting them up for success in their academic journey.

ALSO READ: Tackling school dropout for girls: What is the way forward for Rwanda?

Nelson Mbarushimana, the Director General of REB, last week highlighted that more than 20,000 teachers were trained over four days to teach over 300,000 learners during the one-month remedial period.

"The three major subjects we selected—Kinyarwanda, Mathematics, and English—will help pupils in numeracy and literacy. Learners will sit for final assessment exams in the last three days of the course, allowing teachers to determine who will be promoted,” Mbarushimana explained.

Antionette Mukeshimana, a Primary three teacher at GS Nyagasambu in Nyamirama Sector, Kayonza District, shared that teachers have adopted new methods to facilitate learning.

"Instead of using a blackboard to write notes, we categorize students into small groups and encourage discussions and interactive activities. This method is more effective in helping students grasp concepts and retain information.

The categorization of their abilities makes it easier to tailor lessons to their specific needs and ensure that each student receives the support they require to succeed. We expect a good number of pupils to be promoted based on their progress using these methods.”

The remedial program is also expected to reduce the primary school dropout rate, which stood at 9.5 percent during the 2020/2021 academic year. Recent figures indicate that nearly 200,000 students under 16 years of age dropped out of school, costing the government over Rwf 56 billion to address the issue.

By providing targeted support in key subjects, the government hopes to see improved academic performance and a decrease in dropout rates, particularly among lower primary pupils.

As the first round of remedial exams concludes, optimism is high in Kayonza. Parents, educators, and officials alike are hopeful that this initiative will not only boost academic performance but also set a new standard for supporting struggling students across Rwanda.

Classes begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m. every day, following a nutritious breakfast for the learners at 8:30 a.m.