Rwanda was this week ranked among top 20 countries in Africa that are most dynamic performers in the promotion of literacy programmes, by a report African Economist magazine.

The list, published on Monday, gives a snapshot of how 52 African economies have managed to reduce illiteracy levels.

The survey ranks Rwanda second in East Africa, and 17th in Africa with a score of 70.4 per cent.

Zimbabwe tops the list with a score of 90.7 per cent, followed by Equatorial Guinea (87 per cent), South Africa on the third position scoring 86.4, Kenya (85.1 per cent) and Namibia on the fifth position with 85 per cent.

Esperance Muzinganyi, the officer in charge of adult literacy in the Ministry of Education said that, Rwanda’s has over the years mobilised adults to acquire reading and writing skills during special sessions and the turn up had been impressive.

"We have deployed people across cells, sectors and districts to help improve literacy levels. We are proud of what has been achieved in the last few years,” she said.

Zimbabwe is the only country on the continent with a literacy rate of over 90 per cent, and Burkina Faso comes last on the list, scoring 21.8 per cent.

Elsewhere in EAC, Tanzania scored 69.4 per cent and became 19th on the continent, Uganda, on 26th position, scored 66.8 per cent and Burundi, on 31st position with 59.3 per cent. 

Recent decline

In Rwanda, literacy currently stands at 70 per cent, up from 65.3 per cent in 2006, according to the Ministry of Education. 

Literacy among people between 15 to 24 years stands at 83.7 per cent, the 2012 report said.

Last year, more than 30,000 people benefited from basic literacy programmes, including reading and arithmetic. 

NGOs have also supported the government drive towards reducing illiteracy levels.

For instance, early this year, about 90 primary schools in five districts received a comprehensive literacy support package. 

The package is part of the next phase in the rollout of the USAID-funded Literacy, Language, and Learning initiative. USAID is running the programme in partnership with the Rwanda Education Board to enhance teaching and learning, officials said. 

Rwanda has also seen a rapid increase in enrolment and completion at primary and lower secondary level. 

Primary school enrollment increased from 91 per cent in 2003 to 96 per cent in 2011, and pupil completion rate increased from 52 per cent in 2008 to 79 per cent at the closing study year. 

During the 2012/2013 fiscal year, 5,800 adults acquired reading and writing skills.