A robotics lab established mid this year at New Generation Academy (NGA), a nursery, primary and secondary level school in the Rugando area of Kigali, is equipped to help teachers and learners in schools around the city to bridge the technology gap in their learning process.

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The Ministry of ICT and Innovation, and its partners, on November 5, officially launched the lab. Among its equipment are virtual reality headsets, allowing students to immerse themselves in various 3-D virtual environments, and drones which provide opportunities for simulation and practical flying exercises.

Caela Orianne Ineza, an 11-year-old Grade 7 student, expressed excitement about the lab&039;s capabilities.

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"This lab is going to make us more innovative, think more, and be more creative, and help us express ourselves through the things we love,” she said.

For Ineza, the laser cutter is particularly fascinating.

"It will make me so much more precise in drawing for math and, honestly, everything else. Normally, I would always stick to one idea, but now I have so many more. I feel like my creativity is limitless,” she added, smiling.

The 3-D printers in the lab enable students to bring designs to life, creating objects like cups, houses, skeletons, and key holders. A laser cutting machine adds another level of precision, allowing students to cut and engrave intricate designs on selected fabrics.

David Tumusifu Hakizimana, a 17-year-old student who is passionate about robotics, said: "I create drones, microscopes, and airplanes. Before, I could not access the materials I needed, but this lab is going to help me improve and could bring me closer to my dream of producing real robotics and owning a robotics company, also owning a lab where I can extend my research.”

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Jean Claude Tuyisenge, the Managing Director at NGA, sees the Robotics Maker’s Lab as a bridge to close the technology gap for young learners.

He said: "Technology was once introduced at advanced ages, but now we’re enabling young leaners from primary school onward to explore and innovate.

"Students from Grades 1 to 7 are already showing remarkable creativity, making this lab a central part of their education and development.”

Up to 25 leaners and about five teachers can use the lab in a single session, and schools within Kigali can also access it either during the holidays or during regular school programmes.

As noted, the lab aligns with the Ministry of ICT’s vision to introduce young students to technology early on. Yves Iradukunda, the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, emphasized the importance of early exposure.

"We want children to start using this technology and get used to it. Robotics is a versatile tool that can be applied in industries, daily life, and beyond. This aligns with our plan to introduce technology at a young age. In the past, such exposure was usually reserved for universities, but now we’re making it accessible for younger students, helping them develop essential skills early,” he said.

According to Iradukunda, the lab’s unique setup also allows for broader applications, from learning to designing and producing tools that align with Rwanda’s competence-based curriculum. This ensures that, even in areas without similar facilities, students at the school will have access to hands-on technology learning.