Education has transformed from merely imparting knowledge and skills to also inculcating values that shape society's future. Value-based education is an approach that emphasizes developing moral, ethical, and social values alongside academic knowledge. ALSO READ: How does leadership in school groom students into future leaders? In Rwanda, iLead Rwanda, an organization dedicated to fostering young professionals' leadership skills, is at the forefront of promoting this approach through its iChoose, iDo, and iLead programs. The three-year youth leadership program, which partners with educational institutions across all districts in Rwanda, has enrolled 32,550 students in 88 schools. The iLead program, consisting of 32 weekly lessons, fosters leadership values such as responsibility, empathy, respect, and compassion in small groups of students. This approach enables leadership values to be shared, practiced, and evaluated, creating a sustainable and harmonious society. The iLead program's success has caught the attention of other countries like Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria, indicating its potential to reach more students and schools. ALSO READ: Why schools should prioritize student leadership training The positive impact of value-based education on academic performance and character development is evident among students enrolled in the iLead program. According to Atete Rugege, the Principal of Gashora Girls School, students in the program show higher levels of motivation and better academic performance. Students like Goodness Irakarama of Fawe Girls School and Samuella Dushime of Wisdom High School have also benefited from valuable lessons on intentional growth, creating the right environment, and having a positive mindset. ALSO READ: Ubumuntu Digital Platform to offer peace, and values education Hassan Kibirango, the iLead Rwanda Program Manager, highlights the program's peer-to-peer format, enabling students to practice and develop their emerging leadership skills. He emphasizes the need to instill in students a sense of responsibility, empathy, respect, and compassion as the world becomes increasingly complex. The iLead program's focus on developing moral, ethical, and social values alongside academic knowledge is crucial in shaping the next generation of leaders.
