By the start of the 2025/2026 school year, 21% of schools will be newly connected to the internet, with efforts underway to increase that number further.
Technology has become a critical tool in transforming education across Rwanda, from primary schools to universities. Digital tools, including audiovisual books, are increasingly being used to enhance teaching materials and streamline educational processes.
However, school leaders in areas without electricity or internet connectivity face challenges in delivering lessons and submitting digital reports.
At the close of the 2022/2023 school year, Rwanda had a total of 4,923 schools, comprising 1,568 public schools, 2,065 government-subsidized schools, and 1,290 private schools.
Notably, over 80% of these schools were connected to the electricity grid.
However, Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana revealed late last week that more than 500 schools in remote areas still lack electricity, although efforts to connect them to the grid are ongoing.
Nsengimana shared, "Many of these schools are located far from the electricity grid, and we are exploring alternative ways to connect them."
Currently, about 62% of schools have internet access, but this figure is set to increase significantly.
'Many schools now have electricity, and 62% are connected to the internet. An additional 21% will gain internet access in the first semester of the upcoming 2025/2026 school year, and the process is ongoing,' Nsengimana noted.
Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, speaking at the International Teachers' Day celebration, acknowledged the ongoing challenges related to electricity and internet access in some schools.
He emphasized the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders to ensure that every school has access to these vital resources.
Statistics from the Ministry of Education show that internet access is already high in certain sectors.
In Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools, 83.1% have internet, while internet penetration in general secondary and vocational education schools stands at 75.3%.
In primary schools, 56.5% have internet access, with further improvements expected in the coming years.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-aims-for-80-internet-access-in-schools-by-2025
