Formal education was introduced as part of the colonial system. Prior to colonialism education in Rwanda was informal and delivered largely through the family. The coming of the colonizers in Rwanda gave a small minority access to the best education at the prestigious Astride Secondary School. This education was for the lucky children of the chiefs and other administrators. It did not reach the common child. Today, education is no longer only for the elite. Young and old, rich and poor have access to schooling. The ministry of education and the Government at large aims “at sweeping ignorance and illiteracy and embracing literacy.” Our leaders strive “To provide human resources useful for the socio-economic development of Rwanda through education and training.” The National University of Rwanda opened in 1963 with 49 students. Today the university welcomes 8,000 new students each year. This year a record 3,063 students graduated and the first doctorate was awarded. The university’s record before 1994 was so poor that the biggest academic institution in the country was able to produce only 1,962 graduates between 1993 and 1997. Throughout the higher education system some 100 PhDs are held, the bulk of them at NUR and its areas of research include agriculture, livestock and the training of farm managers. Study by night The system of ‘universites du soir’ (evening classes) has been established to widen access to university. ICT The Rwandan government has formed a national ICT strategy which aims to link public higher education institutions and later private institutions via the Rwanda Education and Research Network (RWEDNET) which aims to facilitate internet access. There is a hope that pushing the development of these skills will allow Rwanda’s economy to grow in to new and more profitable area. This is however, limited by weaknesses in infrastructure because many areas are without phone lines let alone computing facilities. In an effort to improve the situation the government has been opening telecentres where staff can receive ICT training. This training is paying dividends with many of its students now being offered well paid (by local standards) partime work. Computers: not just for the young Musoni Tumwebaze a trainer at ICT Kigali centre, said that ICT courses are generally taken by youths below that age of 25. Musoni advised all ages to enroll in these courses. “These courses are also productive and have high yield to the population” Musoni advised the people. Studying on-line Some students have been studying through the African Virtual University which is allowing students to learn online, while being taught by lecturers from other countries. Rwanda and beyond In October 2006 the economic company, NEPAD e-Africa Commission launched a project to further develop ICT in Rwandan schools. The project that will link up primary and secondary schools across Africa aims to incorporate all Rwandan secondary schools. The gates of education centres are wide open for everyone. Every state needs to support and develop its people through education, they in return will support and developed the state. Ends
