The 2025/2026 academic year officially began on September 8, with thousands of learners across the country returning to classrooms full of energy and promise. Schools have opened their doors, teachers have prepared their lessons, and the government continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, technology, and curriculum reforms. Yet, there is one critical factor that will determine whether these efforts bear fruit: the involvement of parents. ALSO READ: Kigali's school calendar set to be adjusted as UCI comes to city Education is not the responsibility of teachers alone. Research and lived experience show that children perform better academically and socially when parents are actively engaged in their schooling. Simple practices such as helping with homework, attending parent–teacher meetings, monitoring discipline and well-being, and encouraging reading at home, can make a world of difference. Children thrive when they know their parents care about their education and are invested in their progress. Unfortunately, too often, parental involvement is left behind. Some parents assume that once tuition is paid, their role ends at the school gate. Others cite demanding work schedules or economic challenges. While these realities are valid, disengagement risks leaving children unsupported, vulnerable to peer pressure, and less motivated to succeed. ALSO READ: Back-to-school travel: Parents, students decry shortage of buses As the new academic year takes shape, it is urgent to rebuild the partnership between homes and schools. Parents should see teachers not as substitutes, but as partners in the shared responsibility of nurturing future citizens. Even small gestures; asking about a child’s day, praising effort, and setting aside time for study, strengthen this bond and instill confidence in learners. Education is the foundation of Rwanda’s development. If we are to raise a generation capable of carrying forward the nation’s aspirations, parental involvement cannot be optional; it is essential. The call is simple: Parents, step forward. Be present. Walk alongside your children on their educational journey. Their success, and indeed the country’s future, depends on it.
