Three primary school students, all girls, were awarded scholastic materials for excelling in the National Reading Competition, launched on October 23 at SOS Technical School, Kagugu.

The winners, Charlotte Ineza, a primary four student from GS Kabira in Gicumbi District, Henriette Ishimwe, a primary five student from GS Tunda in Bugesera District, and Clemence Uwase, a primary six student from GS Rubira in Kayonza District, were awarded for their reading proficiency.

The competition, which drew 24 learners from eight districts across Rwanda, is part of the Kura Umenye Remedial Learning Programme, an initiative aimed at improving foundational skills among students who have struggled academically.

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The programme specifically targets learners in primary four, five, and six, providing them with tools to catch up with their peers in critical areas such as reading comprehension.

During the award ceremony on October 24, Joan Murungi, the Head of Curriculum Teaching and Learning Resources at the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), highlighted the competition’s broader goal of fostering a love for reading, not just among the winners but in classrooms nationwide.

"Reading is more than a skill, it is the key that unlocks doors of knowledge, creativity, and opportunity,” Murungi said.

She stressed that literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning and critical thinking, which are essential for a child’s overall development.

Murungi also addressed the challenges faced by many Rwandan children, particularly those who encounter economic, social, or geographical barriers that hinder their ability to develop essential learning skills.

"This is not merely a personal setback, it is a collective challenge that affects our society as a whole. The National Reading Competition, under the Kura Umenye programme, aims to address these disparities by offering targeted interventions to struggling learners through remedial education,” she said.

Murungi called on educators, parents, and communities to work together to ensure every child receives the support they need to succeed, stressing that their dedication and passion for teaching inspire children to learn and grow.

She urged parents to play an active role in their children’s reading development, noting that they are their children’s first teachers.

Cissy Uwamahoro, Head of Finance at SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda. said that Kura Umenye programme is designed to uplift vulnerable children by integrating economic empowerment, parenting skills, and service delivery. These services include improved access to education, healthcare, sexual and reproductive health resources, and psychological support. As part of the programme, dedicated reading times and spaces have been established, along with school debates and other activities designed to cultivate a reading culture.

The Kura Umenye Remedial Learning Programme supports 120 schools across the country.

Impact of the programme

Philbert Bikorimana, the headmaster of GS Mukono in Gicumbi District, shared the impact of the remedial programme at his school. "Before the project, our Primary five students had a pass rate of 69 per cent, and 16 students were at risk of repeating the grade.”

After the introduction of the remedial programme, the pass rate rose to 82 per cent, and the students performed better than those who did not repeat, he explained.

Bikorimana commended the project’s holistic approach, which involves teachers, students, and parents in the learning process, fostering greater collaboration and support at all levels.

Bikorimana noted that parents are now more confident in their children’s academic abilities and more engaged in their education.

He added that the remedial classes, supported by teachers dedicating additional time to students, have led to improved academic performance and a newfound sense of responsibility among both students and parents.

Clemence Uwase, one of the winners, reflected on how the programme has transformed her academic experience.

"I wasn’t doing well in my studies, and I had little hope of improving. But now, I get better marks, and I can read confidently and write better,” she said.

Eléonore Uwihirwe, a district education officer from Huye District, explained the importance of parental support, even for those who may not have attended school themselves. She encouraged parents to create time for their children to read aloud and to prioritise buying books over toys.