Pupils at break time. New school calendar intends to improve quality of education
The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) is set to propose a new school calendar that is expected to boost education environment and quality.
According to sources in the Ministry of Education, the new proposal might see both primary and secondary school terms beginning in September and close in June effective 2020.
This is is different from the current calendar which starts in January and runs through November of the same year.
According to the proposed calendar, the first term will begin in September through November while the second term would run from January to March. The third term would run from mid-April to mid-June.
The third term would have the longest school break taking up July and August, other breaks being April and December for first and second term respectively.
Dr. Isaac Munyakazi, Minister of State in Charge of Primary and Secondary Education told KT Press that they are still working on the proposal.
“We are yet to finish the proposal which we will forward to cabinet, it will be communicated officially after approval,” Munyakazi said.
Rwandan education key players have been pushing for changes in the school calendar lately.
In the last National Dialogue – Umushyikirano, bishop Selverien Nzakamwita, the bishop of Byumba requested that the schools should start in September and close in June as it used to be 14 years ago.
Nzakamwita said: “it is hard for children to study during the dry season of June – August.”
Bishop Philippe Rukamba, the spokesperson of the catholic Episcopal Council reiterated their request in June this year.
“We want to request again that the school calendar be revisited as it affects students and parents. Learning in the dry season is particularly associated with various serious problems,” he said at the closing of the Catholic Education week in June.
Innocent Zawadi, Headmaster of Bright Academy primary and secondary school told KT Press: “The new school calendar will give students enough time to rest.”
Janvier Mutangana a parent to two children said that, children will get relief, because studying during the dry season is challenging.
