New classrooms to help ease overcrowding

The Ministry of Education has so far constructed 922 classrooms and 1344 latrines in various schools countrywide this fiscal year, and this is expected to help address overcrowding in 12-year basic education schools. The construction was in response to a survey carried out in 2014 which showed old classroom structures in several schools. The classrooms were constructed through Army and Police Week activities and umuganda, which complemented the ministry’s funding. State Minister Dr Isaac Munyakazi chats with pupils who study at Kavumu new constructed classromms in Rwamagana District. 922 classrooms built nationwide. Kelly Rwamapera While launching new structures at Kavumu Five, Gishari Sector, Rwamagana District on Wednesday, the state minister for Primary and Secondary Education, Isaac Munyakazi commended parents who “directly participated in the national goal of building human capital through education.” “The education sector can’t make any significant contribution when our children are studying in ramshackle structures in places far away from their homes,” said Munyakazi. He called upon parents, local authorities and schools to join hands in keeping youth away from drug abuse and fornication. “Being a parent means much more than having a child in your family but parenting them with good norms and education,” Munyakazi stated. “We have noticed a growing trend of drug abuse and teenage pregnancies which means we’re not playing our role as parents, teachers and local authorities,” he added. State Minister Dr Isaac Munyakazi inspects some of the 922 classrooms built nationwide in a ceremony held at Kavumu in Rwamagana District. Kelly Rwamapera. Munyakazi also called for urgent response to challenges of poor sanitation and hygiene for learners in both school and home environments. “I call upon school leaderships to carryout daily general sanitation and hygiene checks,” he said. Residents of Kavumu said they were sending their children to Groupe Scholaire Ruhunda, the nearest school located over 4miles away. Bonfilda Mukasibo, a parent, said her children could complain about getting to school late due to the long journey but there was no choice. “They had started showing some resentment toward schooling due to the long distance,” said Mukasibo. Parents of Kavumu in Rwamagana District celebrate the new classrooms built for them in their area. Mineduc has constructed 922 classrooms nationwide. Kelly Rwamapera Rwamagana mayor Rajab Mbonyumuvunyi said 28 classrooms and 36 latrines were constructed this year in the district while six old classrooms were brought down. “All the classrooms constructed this year have taken Rwf136 million,” said Mbonyumuvunyi. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

News

New classrooms to help ease overcrowding