Leaving no child behind in education

A bit about the BLF programme

The aim for BLF is to develop long-term, sustainable solutions to improve basic teaching for every child in Rwanda. Although nearly all Rwandan children are enrolled in primary school, many only have access to basic classrooms and limited teaching and learning resources. With classes of up to 60 pupils at a time, many children leave school without a good level of literacy and numeracy. 235 volunteers and I are working with schools, teacher training colleges, and the Rwandan Government to overcome these challenges to improve basic education for all. 

Get to know me

Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve always known that I want to help and work with people. My career as a teacher began in 1986 – I taught Geography while I was completing my master’s degree at the University of Calcutta and later, I went on to do my Bachelor’s in Education.  

Further down the line, after the loss of my mother, I decided to leave my hometown in India for a job as a Principal of Central Board of Secondary Education schools in the States of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for 9 years. In my last 3 years as a principal, I found I was growing tired of my work. It wasn’t motivating me anymore. A strong sense came over me – a feeling I couldn’t shake off. I felt like I was wasting my time on earth purely for myself, and that really overcame me.  

I started applying for voluntary services amongst a range of organisations, VSO being one of them. From there, I made the life-changing decision to resign as principal once I became successful in a volunteer role. In 2019, an opportunity at VSO arose to help work on the BLF programme.

Rwanda was in and out of lockdown throughout 2020 and getting into the country was tough. I was met with a lot of paperwork and knockbacks. But eventually lockdown was officially lifted, and my placement came into fruition. A couple of months later, I was in my placement finally working as a volunteer. I was so excited to get going!  

The journey with BLF begins

My first impressions of Rwanda were only positive. The landscape is so beautiful, and the local people are very supportive and welcoming. I was quickly introduced to lots of my colleagues and building my understanding of the programme. Our mission is to strengthen English and Maths throughout grades 1, 2 and 3 primary level. 

I’ve found that Rwanda is a country eager to progress. Did you know that the Rwandan Government has attempted to change the teaching language to English since 2008? A language neither teachers, nor students, can speak. Rwanda’s education has been based on traditional methods and the medium of instruction was French and Kinyarwanda (the official language of Rwanda).

The switch to English has been detrimental to children’s learning and has resulted in them falling heavily behind in their education. The BLF programme hopes to transform the education system to improve primary school children’s experiences. I’m going to be situated in Rwanda during 2022 and my role as an SLA will involve working with head teachers and supporting the movement to teach in English and improve teaching methods. 

Some challenges

While I’m so excited for the changes we’re making, this role is a challenging one and the change we’re trying to make can come with its difficulties. 

The education system and the people involved in it not only need guidance but also motivation and to some extent, pushing. I feel skills can be easily developed but the mindset of teachers and head teachers – those who are responsible for building the base of the future generation – has to change first and foremost. Most of the head teachers I visit agree that the new development is for the betterment of the people but to accept change and put practises into place may take a little time.  

My main focus is working with head teachers – they are learning a new language and new teaching methods via a Continuous Professional Development course. It involves answering questions, doing quizzes, engaging in discussions, as well as creative writing and writing reports. The course is in English, so it has been difficult to engage people but I'm here to help build their confidence to be brave about speaking in English.

The new education system is bringing digitalisation, however many of the teachers and head teachers have poor IT skills. I’ve found that the younger generation of teaching staff are eager to learn but the previous generation are reluctant. Poor network issues, internet connectivity and electric supply can also be an obstacle. I’ve found it frustrating myself having been in quarantine when I first arrived in Rwanda so I do understand their challenges but I'm eager to support them as much as I can.  

I was recently visiting the head teacher of a school in Mahama. Her school had children from 4 nationalities - Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, and Sudan. She had a challenge to remove the children’s mental block of belonging to different nations among children (most being refugees) and establish harmony, patience, and appreciation within the school.

I’ve suggested that food can be used as a great instrument for this - the teachers can assign one day in a week when a certain delicacy from one of the four countries will be served during lunch. Every child will eat it and get to appreciate each other’s food. In due course, they develop a liking and appreciation for the food, and each other. I am told by Head Teachers that they’re excited and thankful for my suggestions. By giving innovative solutions to their concerns, I’m positive that we’re going in the right direction and the changes will gain momentum.

Exciting new experiences

Back in the day, I used to teach about areas like the Akagera National Park. I never dreamed one day I would be standing there, watching 6 lions playing in the grass! I’ve been so lucky to take a couple of exciting trips whilst I’ve been here. I also saw hippos, crocodiles, giraffes and zebras on the serene Lake Kivu of which I had read so much about when I was studying geography. And I visited the canopy walk at Nyungwe – it was breath-taking to cross from one hilltop to another and be able to see the top of the trees beneath you.

I think in life, you have to open yourself up to new experiences and exciting things will come. 

I’m also overjoyed to have finally stepped foot in a classroom for the first time since being here! I was eager to see a classroom in Rwanda. The head teacher took me to join a maths lesson – when we entered, the children stood and greeted us with a sing-song-like ‘Gooood Mooorning teachers!’. It was a fairly big classroom with neatly placed desks and chairs, and a blackboard. The room had big windows and was light and airy. It was a good feeling to find that the basic facilities of a classroom was available to children – children who will be determining the future of Rwanda. When the teacher asked a question, the hands that shot up to answer looked over proudly at me, telling me through their eyes, ‘I know the answer!’ It was very sweet.

Before I sign off, I wanted to say thank you again for all your support. I’m really looking forward to keeping you updated throughout 2022 and will be back in touch again in May. 

Take care and speak soon,  

Bornali Ghosh

VSO School Leadership Advisor