Rwanda is embarking on an ambitious nationwide programme to train 38,000 teachers in English, as the government moves to improve language proficiency and ensure high-quality instruction across all public schools.
Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana revealed the initiative while highlighting the progress of a group of 150 teachers who recently completed specialised English training in Zimbabwe. Upon their return, they were deployed to various schools, particularly teacher training colleges, to help uplift national teaching standards.
According to Nsengimana, the ongoing programme aims to equip all teachers with strong English skills to meet international benchmarks.
“Training is underway for 38,000 teachers to help them strengthen their English proficiency. Another programme will begin next year to cover the remaining teachers,” he said.
He added that within two years, all teachers in Rwanda are expected to reach at least a B2 level in English, enabling them to effectively teach and communicate in the language.
The minister emphasised that by 2027, Rwanda will no longer need to rely on foreign teachers to support English-based instruction, saying the country has set a target for 80% of teachers to be English-proficient by 2029.
Rwanda officially shifted its language of instruction from French to English in 2008. In 2011, English was adopted as the medium of instruction starting from Primary Four. The policy was revised again in 2019, reinstating English as the language of instruction from Primary One.
However, the transition presented challenges, as many teachers had been educated in French. A 2018 World Bank report found that only 38% of teachers from Primary One to Three had adequate English proficiency at the time.
Similarly, a statement issued by the Ministry of Education on February 26, 2024, revealed that only 4% of in-service teachers possessed intermediate to advanced English skills, despite it being the language used for teaching.
In response, the ministry has accelerated teacher capacity-building programmes. In 2020, UNICEF provided $2 million to support curriculum implementation, teacher training in English, inclusive education, and related initiatives, which continued through June 2024.
The government says improving teachers’ English proficiency is a critical step toward delivering quality education and ensuring learners thrive in an increasingly global environment.