Boarding school students began returning to school on January 3, in preparation for the second term of the 2024-2025 academic year, which starts next week. Speaking to The New Times, the students expressed excitement for their new goals for the new term, and despite a brief holiday break. ALSO READ: NESA announces travel schedule for students returning to school I did well last term, but I’m aiming for over 70 per cent grades this time round,” said Peter Bright Iranzi, an 11-year-old Senior One student at College Saint Jean Nyarusange in Muhanga District, who boarded a bus to school at Kigali Pele Stadium. “I’m also happy that buses are available here at the stadium, and we’re getting assistance to travel smoothly. The same feeling was expressed by Sandra Umwali, a 17-year-old Senior Five student at ES Rusumo in Kirehe District who studies Mathematics, Physics, and Geography, who has her sights set on getting at least 75 per cent grades this term. For Samson Irakoze, a Senior Two student at GS Muhororo in Ngororero District, and a resident of Nyamirambo Sector in Nyarugenge District, expressed mixed feelings about his return to school right after a short-lived festive season. The trips back to school caught me off guard. I was still enjoying the New Year with my family, and suddenly, it was time to leave,” Irakoze said. “I didn’t reach my academic goals last year, but I’m determined to do better this year. I’m aiming for 80 per cent and plan to stay focused on my studies. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Thousands of students return to school amid mpox precautions Emmanuela Umutoniwase, a 15-year-old Senior Four student studying Mathematics, Physics, and Geography in Muhanga District, said, I’m returning to school with a goal to study hard and score over 70 per cent this term.” “The festive season was fun, and I wish it had lasted longer, but education is important. Fortunately, there is no shortage of buses; we arrived at the station early, and the dedicated student transport system here is helping, Umutoniwase said. What do parents say? ALSO READ: Call for parental involvement and community support for the education we want Emmanuel Irankunda, a father from Kigarama Sector in Kicukiro District, whose daughter studies at ES Nyange in Ngororero District, shared a similar sentiment about students having had to return to school so soon after the festive season. Children need to return to school, but doing so just a day after New Year's is challenging for parents. Students didn't get enough rest after the festivities, and many had traveled across the country to celebrate. We could have used an extra week for everyone to recover and prepare, he said. For parents with several children in school, it can be tough to gather all the necessary school supplies. But we must follow the rules and send them back to continue their studies. Parents need to be cautious about spending during the holidays and ensure that school fees and supplies are prioritized. ALSO READ: Education ministry releases 2024-2025 school calendar Immaculee Kankindi, a resident of Kimisagara Sector in Nyarugenge District and mother of a student in Musanze District, reflected on the short break. The holidays were shorter than expected, but we had to prepare regardless. We would have loved more time with our children, but their education is the priority, Kankindi said. “I aim at helping my child by providing tools and helping her revise during the holidays in order to make her succeed more this year,” she added. According to a statement released by the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA), on January 3, students to return to schools are ones in the schools located in districts of Muhanga, Nyaruguru, Ngororero, Musanze, Ngoma and Kirehe. Students attending schools located in Huye, Nyamagabe, Nyabihu, Rubavu, Rulindo, Gakenke, Rwamagana, and Kayonza are scheduled to return at January 4. On January 5 is for students returning to schools located in the districts of Nyanza, Kamonyi, Karongi, Rusizi, Gicumbi, Nyagatare and Gatsibo. On January 6, students to return are those whose schools are located in Nyarugenge, Gasabo, Kicukiro, Nyamasheke, Bugesera, and Burera. NESA urged local authorities to supervise the return of students to school and assist parents in organizing timely travel. Parents were encouraged to ensure that their children leave before 11 a.m., wearing their school uniforms and carrying the transport fees. School heads were instructed to prepare for the students' return, maintain a clean environment, and communicate the travel schedule to parents. Buses will be available at Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo for students traveling through or via Kigali since morning to 3 p.m, after which the stadium is be closed.
