KIGALI - The first ever science exhibition for primary schools opened, yesterday, at the French Cultural Centre in Kigali City.

The French Ambassador to Rwanda, Laurent Contini, who opened the exhibition, acknowledged Rwanda’s focus on scientific education.

The expo, dubbed "The Science Village” will last three months.

"We want to contribute to the priorities of Rwanda, one of them being the improvement of science studies. This event is aimed at developing analytical skills of students in sciences.

We expect 40,000 students to take part during the next three months across the country,” Contini said.

Dr Marie Christine Gasingirwa, the Director of Science in the Ministry of Education, said that her department is mobilising necessary resources for science subjects to benefit students all over the country.

"No effort will be spared to develop science in our country”, she promised.

The French facilitator of the exhibition, Malek Chehab, explained that the initiative aims at awakening the curiosity of the country’s young future scientists and broaden their thirst for knowledge in science.

"We have made it fun so they can gain the interest to study science.”

Some 80 pupils from St Famille Primary School attended the opening yesterday.

During the exhibition, the pupils experimented, observed, practised scientific methods and thereafter made interesting discoveries.

Tito Uwiringiyimana, a Primary Six pupil shared his excitement.

"I did not know science was this fun. I especially liked the demonstration of blood circulation in the body,” he said, adding that he would like to become a doctor.

Liz Mutesiwase, in P5, was thrilled about all she had learnt.

 "I have science knowledge now. I know how a crocodile produces. I also saw the inside of my body in a machine,” She said.

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