Students in boarding schools across the country began travelling home on Friday, December 19, marking the start of the festive season holiday. According to the Ministry of Education’s official school calendar for the 2024–2025 academic year, the two-week break will end on January 6, when students resume classes for the second term. The term is scheduled to run for 13 weeks and conclude on April 4.

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The travel programme expected to end on December 22 began with students from schools in Huye, Nyamagabe, Ngororero, Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Musanze districts, on the first day. Students in Ruhango, Gisagara, Nyabihu, Rubavu, Burera, Rwamagana and Kayonza districts started to travel on Saturday, December 20.

The New Times visited Kigali Pele Stadium, where students passing through the capital gathered to board buses connecting them to their respective home districts.

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Anne-Marie Tuyisingize, an 18-year-old Level 4 student studying fine and plastic arts at Ecole d’Arts de Nyundo, said she was heading home with renewed academic ambitions.

"The term ended well, and I am going back home with targets to perform even better next term. I also plan to continue my studies during the holidays,” she said. However, she noted that transport remained a challenge, particularly for students travelling long distances.

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"I am going to Nyagatare and have spent more than two hours waiting for a bus at Kigali Pele Stadium,” Tuyisingize added, saying she was nonetheless looking forward to celebrating the holidays with her family.

Elise Amizero, a 16-year-old Level 3 plumbing technology student at Ecole Technique Karuganda in Burera District, said transport from his school to Kigali was effortless.

"I am now waiting for another bus to take me to Gicumbi District,” he said, noting that he was aiming to improve his academic performance, targeting 80 per cent next term, up from 70 per cent.

Rachel Answer Muba, a Senior 6 student in multimedia and production at Lycée de Ruhango Ikirezi, said bus shortages delayed their departure.

"We used to return home earlier, but due to limited buses, we have been travelling in groups. Our bus left at 10am, yet we had been waiting since 3am,” she said.

Muba, who will sit for national secondary school leaving examinations next year, said continuous assessments were being taken more seriously. "Even exams that are not national are important as they sharpen our skills,” she noted.

Emmanuel Mugabo, a Level 3 student in animal health at Kabutare TSS in Huye District, was travelling to Gatsibo District with clear academic goals.

"I am targeting 85 per cent next term, up from 79 per cent,” he said.

While acknowledging long delays while waiting for buses to fill up, Mugabo said the holidays would provide a chance to rest and reconnect with family and friends.

"I am also looking forward to improving my practical skills, especially in animal care,” he added.