Global Coalition for Foundational Learning Enhances Teacher Training in Rwanda
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- 15 Nov 2024
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The Global Coalition for Foundational Learning (GCFL) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Rwanda’s education sector, aiming to improve the lives of future generations of Rwandans. This commitment was highlighted during a recent visit to Nyamata Teacher Training College (TTC) in rural Rwanda, coinciding with the 2nd Africa Foundational Learning Exchange (FLEX) Conference held in Kigali from November 11-13.
Strengthening Foundational Learning Initiatives
The GCFL, which comprises seven major international education development partners, has seen participation from 34 countries since the FLEX initiative began in 2022. The delegation's visit to Rwanda was a significant step in enhancing the understanding of the country’s foundational learning initiatives and exploring opportunities for strategic collaboration. The goal is to ensure that all children acquire essential foundational learning skills during their early years of education.
During their visit, the GCFL team engaged with student teachers, observed classroom sessions, and held roundtable discussions with teacher trainees and tutors. These interactions aimed to assess the progress and challenges of foundational learning in Rwanda.
Luis Benveniste, the World Bank Global Director for Education Global Practice, expressed his admiration for Rwanda’s efforts to ensure that every child acquires fundamental skills necessary for a productive and fulfilling life. “It was truly inspiring, and we’re delighted to support the government in this vital role. Education transforms lives, and we see that in action here today,” Benveniste stated.
Addressing Language Transition Challenges
Rwanda’s education system has undergone a significant transition from French to English as the primary language of instruction in public schools. This shift has posed challenges for both teachers and students, necessitating rapid adaptation to English in the classroom. While progress has been made through catch-up training and the hiring of English teaching experts from the region, including Zimbabwe, the language barrier remains a significant challenge.
Benveniste acknowledged these challenges and committed to the GCFL’s support for the Rwandan government in ensuring that every child has access to high-quality education. Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana, the Director General of the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), emphasized the importance of this visit for education partners to witness the ongoing efforts to improve the education sector.
“Education is a journey, and we are putting more effort into using the English language. We have increased the number of hours allocated to English instruction and hired experts from other countries to train our teachers,” Mbarushimana explained. He highlighted the positive impact of the Zimbabwean teachers currently posted in TTCs across the country, noting that their contributions have been beneficial for local teachers and students.
Collaborative Efforts for Quality Education
The GCFL’s support extends to pre-service training through initiatives like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Tunoze Gusoma Project. This project has facilitated foundational literacy professional development and emergent literacy courses for TTC tutors, with some receiving certification from Florida State University. As a result, the proportion of TTC tutors demonstrating knowledge and skills in evidence-based literacy instructional practices has increased from 62% at baseline to 98% over the past three years.
Fredrick Mbonigaba, an English tutor at Nyamata TTC, shared that despite challenges in pronunciation, both tutors and students are dedicated to improving their English skills through various online resources and videos. Adeline Mugabekazi, a student and Head Girl at Nyamata TTC, expressed her gratitude for the visit from officials from English-speaking countries, viewing it as encouragement to enhance her language skills and affirming the importance of the teaching profession.
The commitment of the Global Coalition for Foundational Learning to support Rwanda’s education sector marks a significant step towards improving foundational learning for all children in the country. Through strategic collaboration, targeted training, and ongoing support, Rwanda is poised to enhance its educational outcomes and empower the next generation of teachers and learners. As the country continues to navigate the challenges of language transition and educational reform, the partnership with GCFL and other international stakeholders will be crucial in realizing its vision for quality education.
