In today’s interconnected world, the ability to understand, empathise, and collaborate across cultures is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity! A recent World Economic Forum report identified global citizenship as one of the most essential skills for the 21st century, enabling young people to thrive in diverse environments, tackle global challenges, and lead with purpose. Rwanda, a country already known for bold ambitions, is demonstrating its commitment to bringing global citizenship to classrooms. Rwanda’s Vision 2050 highlights the transformative role of ICT in education, not just in expanding access and improving quality, but in preparing students for a rapidly evolving global economy. In line with this vision, the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) partnered with a long-standing partner of the Government of Rwanda, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), which introduced the Generation Global programme—a global citizenship education initiative for learners aged 13 to 17. The programme equips students with knowledge of global issues, life skills, and the open-minded attitudes needed to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world. The programme was not brought in isolation. TBI has served as advisors in the development of Rwanda’s Foundational Learning Strategy (2024/25 – 2028/29), which is serving as a national blueprint for aligning education interventions. Generation Global also complemented another TBI initiative that brought Starlink internet connectivity to over 50 schools, further enhancing digital access and learning opportunities. Aligned with Rwanda’s competence-based curriculum, Generation Global focused on four key areas: ICT and digital competencies, citizenship and national identity, communication, and critical thinking. At the heart of Generation Global are 60-minute, facilitated online video conferences where students engage in real-time, face-to-face dialogue with peers from around the world. These sessions allow learners to explore different cultures, share values, and develop critical thinking and communication skills. Complementing the live sessions is a gamified, interactive online platform where students can engage with over 17 global topics, practice dialogue skills, and build intercultural connections through written and live interactions. Through nearly 120 video conferences that connected Rwandan learners with peers from 40 countries, including Armenia, India, Ghana, the United States, and Malaysia—spanning five continents over 4,500 students were engaged, fostering dialogue on topics such as the Future of Work, Climate Change, Peace and Security, Biodiversity, and Education. In partnership with REB, Generation Global trained 70 teachers from 10 schools in Kigali on dialogue pedagogy, core skills, and practical lesson plans. These educators reported a significant boost in their understanding of dialogue-based learning and increased confidence in facilitating it, enhancing the classroom experience for their students. One student reflected: “We were able to talk to different people in different schools, where we shared ideas. We were able to highlight different problems our communities are facing and come up with solutions that will contribute to the development of our nation, communities, and ourselves.” Teachers also observed a noticeable shift in students’ attitudes toward diversity and their ability to engage in thoughtful, respectful discussions with peers from different cultural backgrounds. Participants reported increased warmth and openness toward individuals from diverse communities. An unexpected but welcome outcome was the improvement in students’ digital literacy. For many, setting up email accounts and navigating online platforms were entirely new experiences. One teacher noted: “After participating in this programme, students no longer fear using digital tools in their activities.” The programme is now being scaled nationally by the International Baccalaureate (IB), a global leader in education. In sum, the success of the Generation Global programme in Rwanda offers an inspiring model of how education can nurture thoughtful and empathetic global citizens—ready to collaborate and lead cross borders — young leaders who are not only grounded in their local identities but also equipped to engage constructively and collaboratively across borders! This article is co-written by Nelson Mbarushimana, Director General, Rwanda Basic Education Board; Seth Buhigiro, Generation Global, School and Partnership Coordinator, IB; Eden Tsegaye Mamo, Human Capital Development Advisor to MINEDUC, TBI.
