The new schools curriculum is finally set to be launched on Thursday, marking a new era in Rwanda’s education system. The Ministry of Education, through Rwanda Education Board (REB), embarked on the comprehensive review of the current pre-primary, primary and secondary school curriculum early last year. For many, the new curriculum is long overdue and it will go a long way in improving the quality of education in the country. It also fits within the broader integration objective of harmonising education standards among the East African Community member states. The EAC member states have identified the harmonisation of the education curricula, standards, assessment and evaluation of education programmes as a priority issue in the integration process. In the future this might help planners to come up with relevant education curricula for the entire region. With the deepening East African integration, this will also ensure that Rwanda’s education is competitive in the region and globally. If any partner country is to benefit from the East African integration and if their education products are to be relevant, they must regularly revisit their curriculum. The development is a landmark in the journey of Rwanda’s education system. However, the rollout should also be done carefully to ensure that it meets the intended objectives. All the relevant stakeholders should be sensitized through a countrywide campaign. Also relevant scholastic materials under the new curriculum should be made affordable and easily accessible. If the resources are expensive, it will affect mainly the majority poor. Also there is need to sensitise the respective heads of schools on the new curriculum and training of teachers to effectively implement it without any hitches.
