MUSANZE/MUHANGA – Students in senior one on Monday started their classes that mark the first term under the 9 - year Basic Education-9YBE in different schools upcountry.

Administrators in different schools visited by The New Times reported that at least half of the students expected to be enrolled had reported on the first day.

The Director of Groupe Scolaire Muhoza11 in Musanze district, Immaculée Nirere, said that over 200 out of 400 students expected had been registered and will occupy seven classrooms which were recently constructed.

However, the school administrators reported that there was lack of desks for the newly constructed classrooms, as students struggled to find seats on the first day.

‘The desks were expected to be provided by the district, but they delayed because the payments were not effected on time,’ school authorities said.

When contacted for a comment, the Musanze district acting Mayor, Winfred Mpembyemungu, explained that money meant to clear the payments which was promised by the Ministry of Education delayed.

Mpembyemungu further said that she expected the desks to be ready for all schools in the district by the end of the week.

Meanwhile, the director of Groupe Scolaire Munyinya in Muhanga district, commended government and residents of Shogwe sector for their contribution to the construction of classes.

Speaking to The New Times on Tuesday, Marie-Louise Murekatete said her school has been named the first in the district that has completed construction of four classrooms worth Rwf33million.

These will accommodate at least 240 students in ordinary level.

"We received government support in terms of materials used, but the financial contribution of residents has been commendable and this is fundamental for the future of the school,” Murekatete said.

She also noted that the school performance in last year’s Primary Leaving Exams was commendable and they are aiming higher.

The school year also started in full swing and the new students were ready to learn, she said. At least 194 students out of the 240 students expected this year had reported.

The students who talked to The New times expressed readiness to learn English and utilize their time at school well.

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