The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) on Tuesday, September 27 released results for both Primary Leaving Exams (PLE) and ordinary level (O’level) national exams. Overall, the pass rate was 90.6 per cent in PLE and 85.66 per cent for O’level. In the ministry’s conference hall where the results were announced were the best candidates in both categories, who had been invited with their parents and guardians to witness the ceremony and also get recognition. It was all joy for the star students as they talked to The New Times about their achievement, and what it means for their remaining academic journey. Forever Hyacinthe Isezerano, the best performer in PLE said, “I am very happy. This required constant revision, reading different books and closely working with my teachers and parents.” Lydivine Ihirwe, who emerged second in primary, attributed her achievement to dedication and giving priority to her studies. The student of Mont Carmel Primary School in Gasabo district said that much as she expected good grades because of her performance record, she did not expect to be the second best countrywide. “I never miss school and I always got there on time. I advise my fellow students to work hard and do preps even while at home and remain focused,” she said. Albert Ntwali Manzi, who was the overall best candidate in O’Level said, “I am very happy with my performance and I want to do more. The secret behind my success is revising my notes diligently and taking serious guidance by my teachers.” Parents and guardians expressed their gratitude for the achievement of their children and tipped their counterparts on supporting children on their journey to success, saying that it does not end with paying school fees. Jean Pierre Munyankindi, a parent to Peter Paola Inkindi Agahozo, who was among the best students in O’level said; “We are very happy but we expected it because our daughter always had very good grades since pre-primary. We as parents must help our children in every way we can but at the end of it, it is down to the students. Paola knew how to do the right thing in the right time” Gaudance Mukamurigo, a guardian to Manzi, said that they were joyful for his performance and based on his behavior, she said he will continue being a top-performing student even going forward. “We are impressed by Albert’s performance. We are very joyful and thankful to God for protecting us. Albert is a very focused child who takes his education seriously.” She added that her advice to parents is to follow up on their children’s studies and engage with their teachers to know where they can help in the progression of their children, saying that it should not be left to teachers, but also parents have a role to play.
