When Marthe Nyiransabimana dropped out of school in 2022 after becoming pregnant while in Senior Five, she believed her dream of completing secondary education was over.
Unable to return to school after giving birth and without support to care for her child, the Mwendo Sector resident in Ruhango District focused on providing for her baby.
"After giving birth, I lost hope of ever returning to complete my education," she said.
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Nyiransabimana is now among about 5,000 out-of-school youth enrolled in a six-month government-funded catch-up programme that offers a second chance to complete upper secondary education and obtain an advanced secondary school qualification.
Launched by the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), the Resilience in Secondary Education (RISE) programme targets young people aged 18 to 35 who dropped out of Senior Four (S4), Senior Five (S5) or Senior Six (S6) at least three years ago.
The accelerated programme combines Science or Humanities pathways with cross-cutting subjects such as English, Mathematics, ICT, Entrepreneurship and short TVET courses. Registration was conducted through sector offices in December 2025.
The first phase is being implemented in 10 pilot districts—Nyanza, Ruhango, Muhanga, Kamonyi, Rulindo, Gakenke, Gicumbi, Musanze, Burera and Nyabihu—with plans for possible nationwide expansion.
For Nyiransabimana, the programme represents a fresh start.
"This was my opportunity. Having completed at least Ordinary Level was one of the requirements, so I applied and was selected. We are studying through a hybrid model and also have the chance to take TVET courses. I chose carpentry alongside Humanities and Arts," she said.
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Learners spend three months on TVET training and another three months on pathway courses while taking compulsory subjects including Mathematics, English, ICT and Entrepreneurship.
"We started with computer literacy and ICT. The lessons are uploaded online because the programme uses a hybrid learning model," she added.
Districts report strong enrolment
In Ruhango District, Mayor Valens Habarurema said 660 people applied, with 355 meeting the eligibility requirements.
Classes began in May at eight learning centres: ES Kinazi TSS, GS Mbuye TSS, GS Ntongwe, GS Munini, ES Mukingi, GS Mwendo R, College Karambi and GS Rubona.
Learners are currently taking introductory courses, including Digital Literacy Basics, Learning to Learn, Nature of Science, and Communication and Grammar Foundations, before progressing to Science or Humanities pathways.
Habarurema acknowledged that absenteeism remains a challenge but said measures have been introduced to support young mothers.
"Learners with children aged between zero and three years are supported through childcare arrangements where caregivers look after their babies. They are also provided with milk and biscuits," he said.
In Muhanga District, Mayor Jacqueline Kayitare said 943 people applied and 659 qualified, including 482 females and 177 males.
Classes started in May at nine learning centres.
"Since the programme relies on online learning through smartphones and smart classrooms, learners attend eight hours of classes on weekends during the school term and 16 hours per week during school holidays," she said.
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Employed learners who cannot attend in person are supported through e-learning under the guidance of facilitators.
"Each learning site has three facilitators with Bachelor of Education degrees who support both classroom-based and online learners," Kayitare said.
In Nyanza District, 369 learners have enrolled and begun introductory courses at seven secondary schools.
Kamonyi District has registered 432 active learners studying at eight learning centres.
In Gicumbi District, Mayor Emmanuel Nzabonimpa said 851 learners have enrolled.
"Classes have started with introductory courses, including Digital Literacy, to prepare learners for the programme," he said.
He added that learning will take place at 16 centres equipped with computers, while pathway courses are expected to begin after learner validation by NESA in August.
Musanze District has enrolled 550 learners, including 337 females and 213 males, who are studying at 10 selected secondary schools.
Burera District has registered 501 learners, with classes expected to begin this month at learning centres across the district.
Nyabihu District has enrolled 449 learners, including 294 females and 155 males. Learners have already started introductory courses and will study at 10 designated learning centres.
Accelerated learning model
The RISE programme is designed for young people who have been out of school for at least three years, including those who dropped out in S4, S5 or S6, as well as those who sat but did not pass national secondary school examinations.
According to MINEDUC, the competency-based accelerated learning model combines face-to-face instruction with digital learning. It includes diagnostic assessments, condensed curricula focusing on key competencies, continuous assessment, extended learning hours and targeted academic support.
The programme is fully funded by the government, enabling vulnerable and out-of-school youth to complete secondary education without paying tuition fees.