Bugesera - 10th August 2019: The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Samuel Mulindwa alongside the Governor of Eastern Province, Fred Mufulukye launched the National School Construction activities for Fiscal Year 2019/2020 in Bugesera District, Ruhuha sector at GS Saint Tite Butereri.

 American Lawyer and Politician, Brad Henry said: “No other investment yields as great return as the investment in education. An educated workforce is the foundation of every community and for the future of every economy.” This quote demonstrates how investing in education infrastructures like classrooms will impact Quality Education desired, to the country’s economy at the end.

Community participation is key to any country development, and citizens are engaged when they play a meaningful role in the implementation of projects or program affect them. This increases trust in community organizations and governance. Working together improves communication and understanding. Knowing what government, community citizens and leaders can and cannot do may increase their collaboration.

 In that regard, the launching of National School Construction activities in Bugesera District, Permanent Secretary, Samuel Mulindwa says:” Today we are very happy to be with men, women and young people in this incredible activity of constructing the classrooms of our children. Together, the issue of long distance and overcrowding in 9&12 Years Basic Education schools will be solved. Community participation will continue to be a cornerstone to Quality Education desired.” he added.

 Rwanda’s vision 2020 aims at moving Rwanda from “an agriculture-based economy to knowledge-based society, therefore, well-established school-infrastructures which are occupied with well-educated students will serve towards this target. In his address to the participants of the community work in Bugesera District, Permanent Secretary, Samuel Mulindwa explained” Education sector being the priority of Rwandan Government, no single developed country which has not strengthened its education system.”

 Every child should be in school, not just being attendant but impacting the rest of his or her life. A well-educated child will stand for all challenges and contribute to development of his/her country. Speaking to the community of Bugesera District, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Samuel Mulindwa said “Yes, we are building these classrooms, but we need to utilize them by taking all our children to school. Parents, Teachers and local authorities, you should make sure that all children are in school for they are our future generations.” he underlined.

 A school has a profound impact on a child’s mental, physical and academic development. Since the child spends a significant part of her/his day in school, it is imperative to ensure that the environment is hygienic. A school is not only a place of academics; it shapes the character and habits of a student. Dirty and ill-maintained classrooms teach students poor health habits and they are likely to accept this as a part of life.

 In this regard, the Governor of Eastern Province requested all citizens to take care of the school environment more specifically the hygiene in classrooms and of their children (Students/pupils), “We are building these classrooms for tomorrow’s generation, and it is our responsibility to teach our young people that hygiene on their body and in classrooms is sign to an educated person.”  he said.

 In this community work, young men were happy to participate, as they believe it will change their learning environment. Munguyiko Felix, a young student in P6 at G.S saint Tite Butereri said: “I and my colleagues, we are very much happy to participate in this great initiative of constructing new classrooms hence we are the ones to benefit.”

 Head-Teacher at GS St. Tite Butereri, Mrs. Yankurije Donathile emphasized that this National School Construction activities will solve the issue of long distance and overcrowding in schools. “The number of students keeps increasing every year, and we must keep increasing the number of classrooms. We are delighted to have new classrooms.” she said.

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