At the heart of this transformation is GS Paysannat LE, located in the Mahama Refugee Camp, where both refugee children and local Rwandan students are benefiting from this digital revolution.
The tech-driven learning program, launched in 2021, is part of a broader effort by the Rwandan government, in collaboration with international partners like the UNHCR, World Vision International, and ProFuturo, a Spanish-based organization.
The initiative aims to bring digital learning to schools in districts like Kirehe, Gatsibo, Nyamagabe, Gisagara, Karongi, and Gicumbi.
Currently, the program reaches 15 schools near refugee camps, benefiting over 16,000 students, including both refugee and Rwandan children in grades 4 to 6. The program provides students with tablets loaded with educational software, offering them a unique opportunity to learn in ways that were not possible before.
More than 500 teachers have been trained to use these digital tools, enhancing their teaching methods and improving student engagement.
Ange Brinella Ishimwe, a Grade 6 student at GS Paysannat LE, shared how the use of technology has transformed her learning experience.
"Before, teachers would write on the board, and sometimes it was hard to understand. But with tablets, we can see visual explanations of the subjects. We use them for Kinyarwanda, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies," she said.
Nick Rafael Ishimwe, another Grade 6 student, added, "When we used to take tests on paper, it would take weeks for the teacher to grade them. Now, we take the tests on the tablet, and we see our results immediately. It makes learning more effective."
Teachers have also noticed improvements in how students are engaging with lessons. Vincent Nibitura, a mathematics teacher, explained that the use of technology has made it easier for him to track students' progress.
"I prepare exercises on the computer, and each student can access them right away. After completing the exercises, they are graded instantly. This allows me to see who is making progress and who needs help," he says.
The use of technology has also had a positive effect on student motivation. "When I tell the students that we will be using technology, no one wants to miss class. They are excited to engage with the tools," said Nibitura.
Since the introduction of the program in 2022, academic performance has improved. "The first sign of success is when a student powers on the device, logs in, and starts learning on their own," said Alex Ntamunoza, the school's director.
"Last year, 57 students graduated from primary school, and all of them passed. Ten of them received confirmation to continue their studies at secondary schools," he reveals.
Despite the program's success, there are still challenges, particularly with the number of tablets available. "In Grade 6, there are four classrooms with tablets, but only 96 tablets for the entire school. We hope to get more so that every student can benefit," Ntamunoza said.
The ProFuturo program has equipped the schools with tablets containing Rwanda's national curriculum, along with computers and other technological tools. Three computer labs have been built in Mahama, Nyabiheke, and Kiziba refugee camps, and teachers have received training on how to use these tools to enhance their teaching methods.
This tech-driven learning program is not only improving education for refugee children but also fostering integration between refugees and the local population.
Through these digital tools, students are gaining the skills necessary to succeed in a digital world, while also helping to bridge the gap between refugee and local communities. With continued support, this initiative has the potential to provide every child in Rwanda, regardless of their background, with a brighter, tech-enabled future.
IGIHE
