The needs in education are massive and by the time you read this, the first school we visited (Kigali) has already received enough pens and pencils from a donor to last them the rest of the year. Imagine this scenario: a student’s pen runs dry but class continues with him/her not being able to write; he or she doesn’t have a second pen or pencil. Celeste observed this several times. But now the teachers will have some supplies, and for this all are grateful.
Gerrit and Celeste were invited to meet with the minister in charge of primary and secondary education. During the meeting it became evident that the main focus has been on the city schools. Celeste shared her concern about the poor kids in the rural areas. Her observation: politicians speak politics; educators want to see all kids reach their potential, no matter where they live.
A visit to a primary school in Byumba (grades 1-6) seemed to support this observation (that the rural schools get very little attention and support). According to the headmaster, only 10% of his school’s 6th graders passed the national exam. He said it was directly related to lack of school text books, as well as the teachers’ lack of English skills and training. This school is part of the diocese in Byumaba (combined church/government); they are pleading for teams to come and help the teachers. The school has on average 40 students per class and teachers need to teach 2 shifts per day: morning and afternoon. That means 80 students per teacher – a very heavy load to carry.
