When the 2023/24 senior six national exam results were released, on November 15, excitement filled the air as thousands of students celebrated their hard-earned success. But beneath the jubilation lies a pressing concern for many families and educators.
How can these graduates, facing up to a year of waiting before transitioning to higher education, remain engaged and productive?
This transitional phase is often marked by uncertainty. Without structured programmes to channel their energies, many young people risk losing the momentum they built during years of study. Experts, educators, and youth leaders are calling for creative solutions to turn this idle time into an invaluable period of growth.
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Eugene Fixer Ngoga, the Director of School Leadership, Career Guidance, and Counselling at Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), admits that the current system falls short when it comes to addressing this challenge.
He admitted: "We have no structured arrangements in place to address this period.
"Our focus is primarily on nursery, primary, and secondary education, with the expectation that students transition to higher education afterward. However, this year-long gap often leaves young people idle, which comes with risks.”
Philippe Nkwakuzi, the Country Director of NABU, a Kinyarwanda publishing platform, sees this as an opportune time for graduates to acquire skills that complement their education.
"They [high school graduates] can explore online courses in areas like digital literacy, coding, graphic design, or even business management. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn, and Free Code Camp offer affordable or free courses that equip students with globally relevant skills,” Nkwakuzi said.
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Volunteering and internships are other powerful tools to combat idleness, he said. By engaging with NGOs, local businesses, or community projects, students not only gain work experience but also build their networks and discover new passions.
Nkwakuzi noted that community libraries, Early Childhood Development Centers, and literacy programmes provide platforms for meaningful contributions while fostering personal development.
Embrace learning new languages
Christine Niyizamwiyitira, an educator in Kigali, stressed the importance of multilingualism in today’s interconnected world. She urges graduates eager to expand their horizons to embrace learning new languages like English, French, or German, describing it as a transformative opportunity.
Niyizamwiyitira advised high school graduates to develop soft skills like communication, public speaking, and teamwork, which are highly valued in any career.
She noted that the government and private sector have begun stepping in to bridge the gap, through initiatives like YouthConnekt, and the Akazi Kanoze program, tailored to provide youth with employability skills, access to capital, and other support services to take advantage of economic opportunities.
Ngoga noted that the consequences of redundancy can be disastrous as youngsters may lose interest in studying, experience isolation, or struggle with mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Prolonged inactivity, he said, also delays career entry, putting Senior Six leavers at a disadvantage compared to peers who stay engaged.
"This is a shared responsibility. Schools, parents, government bodies, and community organizations must work together to support young people during this critical period. With investment in structured programmes, increased access to resources, and awareness campaigns, we can turn idle months into opportunities for growth,” Ngoga said.
Springboard to a brighter future
Nkwakuzi also highlighted the potential for personal and professional growth during this temporary phase.
"This is not a time to sit back and wait. It’s a time to explore, learn, and grow. Whether it’s gaining new skills, volunteering in the community, or diving into creative pursuits, the year between high school and university can serve as a springboard to a brighter future.”
He stressed that the long vacation has the potential to be either a lost year or the most transformative one in a graduate’s life.
While the choice ultimately lies with the graduates, he noted, they require proper guidance and support to make the most of it.