Student exchange programmes between Rwandan and foreign secondary schools have been hailed as one of the best ways to revolutionize Rwanda’s education.

Speaking to The New Times, the Headmaster of Byimana Secondary School, Brother Straton Malisaba, urged local schools to embrace the idea as a way of striving for excellence.

Malisaba said that the exchange programmes are a very essential tool because Rwanda has adopted English as the language of instruction in schools.

According to the educationist, the partnership between his Southern Province school and several high schools in America have achieved a lot over the years.

Currently, there are five American students and teachers who have assisted the school in teaching English and chemistry.

"All schools in Rwanda should use partnerships to improve their education performance and welfare of the community,” said Malisaba.

Among the benefits of this partnership are scholarships to students.Tony Gasana a S.6 student said he learned a lot about different social aspects when he went to America as part of this programme.

"Exchange programmes go beyond friendship, they involve the exchange of knowledge and discipline,” said Gasana.
He is one of the pioneer students who went to America last year.

Albert Schlweter author of the partnership said it was equally important for the American students.

"They have been able to learn how students in Africa learn and relate in Africa. This is a wonderful experience and a lesson to them,” he says.

On return the students have been able to share and form strong attachments.

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