Rwanda has welcomed the third cohort of volunteer French language teachers deployed under the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), in a programme designed to strengthen the teaching and learning of French in the country. ALSO READ: Why La Francophonie is sending 100 French teachers to Rwanda The new group, comprising 50 volunteers from 15 Francophone countries, is currently undergoing a week-long integration programme, which began on September 29 and will conclude on October 5, World Teachers’ Day. The preparatory week includes pedagogical training, intercultural workshops, and meetings with Rwandan education officials, equipping the volunteers for their mission in secondary schools and Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs). Speaking to The New Times, Leon Mugenzi, Director of Teacher Development and Management at the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), emphasised the significance of the initiative, noting that the teachers are expected to enrich French proficiency both in classrooms and through extracurricular activities. “Assessing the long-term success of a programme that began only a few years ago is naturally complex,” Mugenzi said. “However, we can already confirm that learners in schools where the volunteers have been placed are benefiting in concrete ways.” According to the official, the programme has generated a variety of activities such as dictation and reading competitions, spelling contests, and the creation of Francophone clubs. “These initiatives not only improve proficiency but also foster creativity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation of the language,” he added. Mugenzi highlighted the role of the volunteers in mentoring and supporting Rwandan teachers. “Local teachers have greatly benefited from the presence of OIF French teachers. Through mentorship, training, and co-teaching, they have been introduced to pedagogical approaches tailored to French as a foreign language. This exposure has encouraged a shift in mindset, from viewing French solely as an academic subject to appreciating it as a means of communication,” he explained. ALSO READ: New dawn for French language as Rwanda recruits foreign teachers Despite the gains, Mugenzi acknowledged persistent challenges. These include limited mastery of French among both teachers and learners, insufficient evaluation mechanisms, and a shortage of teaching and learning materials. Sustainability is also a concern, as continuity depends on strengthening local teacher capacity once volunteers complete their assignments. To address these gaps, REB plans to expand continuous professional development opportunities, improve monitoring and evaluation tools, and promote structured co-teaching models. Partnerships are also being explored to enhance access to updated textbooks, digital content and extracurricular opportunities. OIF’s commitment Since the launch of the programme in 2020, a total of 120 French volunteer teachers have been deployed to Rwandan schools. Rennie Yotova, Director of French Language Teaching and Learning at OIF, said that the placement of teachers is guided by strict criteria to ensure quality and impact. “These volunteers are not only French language teachers but also teacher-trainers capable of mentoring local educators, teaching directly to students, and creating a dynamic Francophone environment,” Yotova explained. Placements, she noted, are determined in close collaboration with REB, ensuring they respond to Rwanda’s specific needs. According to Yotova, the programme has already made a tangible difference. “More qualified teachers are now present across the country, including rural areas. In Teacher Training Centres, volunteers have also helped train future primary school teachers, multiplying the effect of their presence,” she said. At the classroom level, schools report better student outcomes, particularly in oral expression and confidence in using French. Local teachers have also adopted interactive methods introduced by the volunteers, making lessons more engaging. The OIF initiative extends beyond teaching, playing a key role in capacity building and ensuring sustainability. By working alongside Rwandan teachers, the volunteers share methods, develop resources, and strengthen professional practices. “This approach has a multiplier effect,” Yotova said. “Instead of reaching only their own classes, volunteers help elevate the overall quality of French education in Rwanda.” Looking ahead, OIF’s vision is aligned with Rwanda’s National Plan for the Teaching and Learning of French. The aim is for Rwanda to gradually take full ownership of the programme, building lasting capacity and independence. “The third cohort, which brings together volunteers from 15 countries, illustrates the richness of the Francophonie. This diversity offers Rwandan students and teachers’ direct exposure to a wide range of cultural and pedagogical perspectives, reinforcing the idea that French is a shared space for cooperation across continents,” Yotova said. The programme, launched in 2020 by OIF Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo, has since become a flagship initiative of the Francophonie. This year’s cohort includes volunteers from Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana, France, Madagascar, and Burundi. Of the 50 teachers, 19 are women.
