KIGALI - Delegates from seven countries met in Kigali, on Wednesday, to discuss the implementation of the UNESCO-sponsored Basic Education for Africa program.

Among the issues discussed was Rwanda’s experience in the Nine-year basic education.

The Inspector General of Education, Narcisse Musabeyezu, noted that Rwanda has, so far, made remarkable progress with the program.

"In 2007, we had around 50 percent enrollment for the nine year basic education program, but today; we have over 80 percent. In the near future, we hope to upgrade it to the twelve-year basic education program,” Musabayezu said.

He added that this has significantly reduced the levels of illiteracy in the country.

According to Musabeyezu, the successful implementation of the program will help Rwandans to become competent, skilled and knowledgeable.

He also added that through sharing experiences, Rwanda will also learn about how the other countries have successfully managed to implement the extended basic education program.

Countries represented at the workshop include Ethiopia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal and Tanzania.

Julien Daboue, a UNESCO representative said that the objective of the workshop is to reflect on the planning process of educational reforms.

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