KIGALI, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Monday kicked off a nationwide campaign that seeks to identify issues affecting the quality of education in schools and chart way forward to address them.
The campaign targets more than 600 schools, both public and private, to review main problems affecting the education sector. Key among them is the high school dropout rate, repetition and school management and leadership efficiency in the teaching and learning in all schools.
The campaign, whose first phase will run up to February 15, will also focus on school hygiene and sanitation, unwanted pregnancies, drug abuse and practical training set mainly in vocational schools and higher learning institutions.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, permanent secretary in the ministry of education of Rwanda Samuel Mulindwa said the campaign, which will be held in phases on quarterly basis, will cover vocational schools and higher learning institutions.
While a lot has been achieved in the education Sector, gaps and challenges still remain unaddressed at all levels, said the minister, adding that the government want to ensure that pupils and students across the country receive provisions and quality education regardless of which schools they attend.
Mulindwa further said the campaign will be used to mobilize community actors and remind all parties of their responsibilities towards ensuring that quality education is provided across the country.
Last December, Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente outlined the priorities under the seven-year program for education sector before a joint session in parliament. According to him, the country still lacks trained workforce in many areas such as agriculture, mining, tourism, transport, garment, milk processing, and infrastructure, hence the need for skills training.
According to Ngirente, Rwanda will prioritize science, technology and mathematics, and technical and vocational eEducation and training (TVET) courses, while promoting learning and use of ICT in education, research and capacity building.
Later in December's national dialogue known as Umushyikirano, Rwanda President Paul Kagame called for a "revolution" in Rwanda's education system at all levels so as to nurture highly qualified human capital that spearhead the country's economic transformation. Enditem
