Ecole Belge marks golden jubilee

Ecole Belge recently celebrated fifty years since its inception in 1965. The event, held at the school premises in Kigali, brought together parents, learners, alumni and well-wishers, who were all overjoyed to witness the school reach this milestone. The school currently has 660 learners, from the kindergarten up to secondary. It offers Belgian curriculum with French as the medium of instruction and English as second language. The event was graced by many dignitaries, including the Ambassador of Belgium in Rwanda, Arnout Pauwels, and Senator Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, among others. Naite` Gillet, the school’s head teacher, told The Education Times that the school started under the direction of the Belgian government but management was later taken up by the parents association. As part of the ceremony, the school administration recognised some of the longest serving staff members and other outstanding stakeholders. The ambassador of Belgium in Rwanda, Arnout Pauwels, addresses guests during the celebrations. For parents whose children study at Ecole Belge, the celebration was something to be proud of. “I chose this school because I studied here; I loved the curriculum and the fact that the school is integrating English as a second language, taught from lower primary. I wish the school could integrate aspects of the Rwandan culture in the curriculum and also expand its infrastructure. Otherwise, we are happy for this milestone,” said Lena Uwera, a parent. Mellisa Talifa and Magali Nyatanyi, in their Form Two and Form Four respectively, said they are happy to be in Ecole Belge because they are provided with a lot of interesting activities that are educative and fun at the same time.