Dr Joseph A. Olzacki Peter Thorpe In March 2013, President Paul Kagame visited and spoke at the University of Hartford in West Hartford Connecticut in the United States. As over 1500 guests listened attentively to this innovative leader, few realized how bold his words were and how determined the Rwandan government’s actions would be. As we write this opinion, as friends of Rwanda, the African community witnesses a Rwanda government so committed to the advancement of skills and ultimately economic development that no stone is left unturned seeking out new opportunities that will benefit of Rwanda. From education to agriculture, business to trade, this government is defining, “The Rwandan Way.” In his March 2013 Hartford speech, President Kagame stated; “A nation is what it is because of the education it provides its people. A well-educated and skilled population is empowered and generally has a high standard of living and better health, is better informed and can therefore make informed decisions individually or as part of a collective. Above all, an educated population is better placed to make more demands on political leaders and also fulfill its civic obligations.” Around the world, politicians are more times than not, overly verbose in promises and extremely scarce in action. Yet Rwanda’s commitment to education is not only refreshing in words but remarkable in the lengths that this government takes in order to follow through; making words become reality. In the annual UNESCO Education for All global monitoring report, published in 2014, Rwanda was listed among the three top performing countries in the world for reducing out-of-school populations by at least 85% over the past five years. UNICEF reports show increasing percentages of boys and girls attending secondary school and Rwanda leads the number of children attending primary school and what is even more impressive is the commitment and actions of the ministers of education and current director general on the development and implementation of a student centered curriculum. Right now, in districts all over Rwanda, the Ministry of Education, through Rwanda Education Board, are beginning the task of supplying School Based Mentors (Rwandans whose goal it is to help teach Rwandan educators) with lap tops. True, this happens in many countries but the Rwandan difference is that these lap tops not only come with connectivity but mentors will be trained in internet computer technology for the classroom in upcoming training held by the Rwandan Education Board. This type of forward, “outside the box” realization demonstrates wonderfully that programme developments are closely tied to sustainability – The Rwanda way. As the summer months come closer, 500 teachers across Rwanda will be chosen to participate in the twice yearly training institute that focuses on advanced teaching techniques in English Language Learning, Education Methods, Conflict Resolution and Internet Computer Technology. This programme, first championed by President Kagame and enthusiastically supported by both, Education Minister Papias Musafiri, and Rwanda Education Board Director General Janvier Gasana, addresses the needs of current Rwandan educators and provides Rwandan teachers with 21st century techniques that are just beginning to be “thought of” in many other countries in the world. This programme, and many other programmes, are dedicated to development and constructed for what people need for sustainable positive development. In a world political culture where political rhetoric and vague promises are left unchallenged and promises not kept, it is refreshing to witness how in Rwanda, real dedication to long term, sustainable human development prove that actions do speak louder than words. This is the Rwanda way – doing things right. Dr. Joseph A. Olzacki is the Director of Rwandan Teacher Education Programme and Peter Thorpe is the Executive Director, Rwanda Girls Initiative.
