A bright future has to be built on a strong foundation

While moving around Kigali one is often tempted to look at the numerous beautiful buildings that have come up over the years. Some are tall with only glass on the outside while others are not so tall but have unique designs. What we may not see as we appreciate their beauty is the foundation on which they stand. This week Education Times tackles this issue of nursery schools as the foundation of education. Available statistics clearly show that of all the children in school from pre-primary to higher institutions of learning, pre-primary accounts for only 3.7 per cent. These statistics are shocking because there are numerous studies that show how crucial it is for a child to have a good foundation by attending nursery school. Instead many children are starting primary education without any prior education something that only serves to delay the learning process. It is quite clear that nursery schools are still few compared to the number of potential pupils and some are so far away that only those close by can attend. Parents should however not despair. If you cannot take your child to a nursery school you can still try to keep him/her busy by buying them some toys and homeschooling them some times. It should not be that hard to teach your child how to count and write the alphabet surely. If you have the means then make it a point to have your child attending nursery as this prepares them for a smoother academic path than those who miss out on this stage.