Education

Basic education programs build skills for the future

Carrie Antal/ USAID

Rwanda has made remarkable progress in education since the 1994 genocide, which resulted in large numbers of orphans, decimated infrastructure, and a population depleted of skilled workers. The country has expanded access to education: in 2010, 95 percent of children were enrolled in primary school, and girls were enrolled at the same rate as boys. The elimination or reduction of school fees, better teaching tools and infrastructure, and a strong workforce contributed to these achievements.

USAID supports strengthening early reading and math skills development to help prepare Rwandan children for a more productive future. USAID also encourages the use of information technology to assist educators in sharing information, preparing lesson plans and discussing challenges. Through the development of an online education portal for teachers, parents, and students, USAID helps to provide access to relevant resources. In partnership with the Rwanda Utility Regulatory Agency, USAID has also supported Internet connectivity at all teacher training colleges to take advantage of the portal.

Improving Reading

USAID works with the Ministry of Education to improve the quality of education through improved reading and math skills. Focusing on the early grades, this program introduces proven reading and math teaching strategies and improves the availability and use of innovative instructional materials. This program also supports Rwanda’s transition to English as the language of instruction in fourth grade. These efforts will help to improve learning outcomes for primary school students by increasing their critical-thinking and language skills.

Youth and Workforce Development

Forty percent of Rwandans are between the ages of 14 and 35. USAID supports a youth training program that assists young people in developing the skills and attitudes necessary to find jobs, create their own employment, and participate constructively in their communities. The core youth work readiness curriculum includes leadership, financial literacy and communications training.