The National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) has announced that 213 schools in Rwanda, with a total of 7,445 students, will participate in the PISA 2025 International Student Assessment. This assessment aims to measure students’ ability to apply their knowledge in real-life situations.
Dr. Bahati Bernard, Director General of NESA, announced this on March 17, 2025, during the official launch of the PISA campaign at ES Kanombe/EFOTEC.
He explained that this international assessment will be conducted among students aged 15 and 16 in less than two months.
He stated, “Students from 213 schools across the country will participate. The assessment will cover three subjects: Mathematics, Science, and English.”
Dr. Bahati noted that the PISA 2025 assessment will take place in 91 countries worldwide, including four African nations: Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, and Morocco. He explained, “This assessment was initiated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In these countries, 15-year-old students have typically reached the stage where they must decide whether to enter the workforce or continue their studies.”
He added, “By assessing students of the same age group, it becomes easier to compare results across different countries.”
Dr. Bahati also emphasized that the PISA International Assessment does not interfere with regular teaching or add extra workload for educators.
He stated, “While the scores do not appear on students’ report cards, it is important to understand that performing well in this assessment brings pride to our country.”
The NESA Director General highlighted that PISA 2025 will help Rwanda benchmark its education system against both its own schools and those in other countries, allowing for the identification and improvement of any weaknesses.
Students and Teachers Prepare for the Exam
Ingabe Petia Gerardine, a third-year student at ES Kanombe/EFOTEC, expressed confidence in her preparation and that of her classmates.
She said, “I am prepared for this exam. It will boost our confidence, especially among girls, as many tend to feel intimidated. However, I will not be afraid because I have participated in similar assessments before and performed well. I am fully prepared to excel.”
Ingabe also noted that the certificates they will receive will be valuable in the future, as they will serve as proof of their participation in PISA 2025.
The principal of ES Kanombe/EFOTEC, Tumukunde Monica, confirmed that the school is well-prepared for the assessment.
She stated, “Both educators and students have been given the opportunity to understand the process of this assessment. We continue to prepare our students so that they will be ready when the time comes.”
She added that they have extensively reviewed past assessment questions to enhance students’ readiness.
The PISA assessment measures students’ ability to apply their knowledge in real-life situations, focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It is conducted every three years and assesses students in reading, mathematics, and science. This will be the first time Rwanda participates in the assessment.
Source: UMUSEKE