Changing lives through Building Learning Foundations

What’s been going on

Schools here have been busy preparing for the end of the year and the teachers have been delivering end of year examinations. During the break, teachers are expected to self-study and peer learn via WhatsApp and calls with myself and my team, which consists of seven Sector Learning Facilitators (SLFs) and one Special Needs Education Coordinator (SNECO). We guide, mentor and coach them, and set them assignments in order to evaluate them.

I share reports with the District Education Unit – a group of people who oversee primary and secondary level - on what’s been happening during term time and plan how to keep the teachers engaged. We also discuss any obstacles or challenges they may have come across and explore strategies that will overcome these as we prepare for the new year ahead.

We recently attended an open day, where all non-governmental organisations showcased their work. BLF had our own stand, displaying different essential classroom equipment, some made from locally sourced materials by the teachers.

A positive change in attitude and the future of BLF

The teaching language has been changed by the Rwandan to English from French and Kinyarwanda (the official language of Rwanda). BLF has been providing support in its movement. At first, I found that people found it hard to accept the shift but overtime, I’ve seen a positive change in attitude. Teachers are inquisitive and show eager interest in learning English. I find teachers use their initiative to regularly invite my team and I to Communities of Practice (CoP) meetings so that we’re able to provide extra support to teachers. The aim of CoP meetings is to help teachers acquire subject specific knowledge and learn more about inclusive teaching methodologies to ensure no child is left behind in education.

BLF is due to phase out next year, so the programme is working to focus on the sustainability of teaching. I’ll be overseeing the activities and recording any success stories in particular schools in the district. My team and I will be planning to hand over our respective duties to the teachers so that they’re able to confidently use any skills and knowledge once we’ve returned home, contributing to lasting impact of BLF.

Success of BLF

I’d like to introduce you to two people involved with BLF but in different areas.

Hello, I’m Dusabimana Petronille!

I’m a teacher, who because of your generous donations, has found great help from BLF and support from Dennis and his team. I’ve been a teacher for 22 years now, and I chose to go into the teaching profession because at that time, my country was short on teachers in many schools.

I’m currently a lower primary teacher of Mathematics and English in Vumbi primary school in the Mushonyi Sector here in Rwanda. I started my teaching career in the French system so I found the abrupt change to English difficult to navigate at first, but I do feel like the support Dennis and his team have provided through BLF has really brought about a fundamental change and positive impact on my career as a teacher.

For me, one essential thing I’ve learnt is new teaching methods in English and Mathematics at lower primary level 1 to 5. I use the Inclusive Education (IE) Toolkit that BLF provided training on – this includes guides on practical implementations of IE. This has helped me to improve on my teaching methods and approaches, making them more learner-centred and inclusive in class.

BLF also drastically helped develop my English proficiency and now I feel more confident speaking it during lessons. The support BLF has provided has really improved education for all. 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn – not just professionally but in everyday life too. Your donations have helped guide the shift in education here in Rwanda which in turn, will build a better future for all.  

Hello, I’m Dieudonne Ndabazi!

I’m a national VSO volunteer currently working as a Special Needs Education Coordinator (SNECO) which involves training teachers and head teachers on different teaching methodologies that can be used to teach learners with learning difficulties and disabilities.

A bit about me – I completed my bachelor’s degree in Disability Studies and Special Education at Africa Renewal University and also hold a diploma in child development. I’ve been a national VSO volunteer since February 2020 where I’ve been based in the Southern province in Kamonyi district. Volunteering for VSO has given me the opportunity to practically exercise the knowledge that I acquired back to my community.

In a nutshell, my role as a SNECO is to mentor primary level 1 to 3 English and Mathematics teachers on how to identify children with disabilities in school. This involves supporting in assessments of children with disabilities. I also work with inclusive education focal teachers, who are selected leads of Special Education Needs in each school, and are there to support and ensure the teachers are using an appropriate method of inclusive teaching.

Before BLF, there was only one school which had been practising inclusive education in Kamonyi district. Now, there are 14 inclusive and disability intervention schools! During my time on BLF, I’ve seen so many children benefit. Through advocacy, ten children have been given wheelchairs, three were given crutches and two were given white canes.

Six schools have created an initiative where a fund has been set up so that students and teachers who are able to contribute, can. The proceeds are used to support vulnerable families to buy uniforms and school stationery.

One student, Uwimpuhwe Fidens, was forced to drop out of school. Her disability and location of her parents’ home meant she could not use a wheelchair or crutches. However, she received a bicycle through the initiative which meant her father was able to bring her to school every morning and take her back home after class. The bicycle has been life-changing to the family.

One of the main impacts of BLF is that teachers are now able to develop different teaching methodologies to suit the needs of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. This is done through adapted lesson plans or with teaching aids made using local materials that the children are familiar with, such as bottle caps. In general, I’ve found that involving the parents of children with disabilities and learning difficulties has reduced their negative attitudes.

Before I hand you back to Dennis, I want to highlight that all these positive steps really couldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for your generous donations. Volunteers like Dennis and I wouldn’t have the opportunity to bring about change. Now, Rwandan children have the chance to be supported academically, economically, emotionally, and socially. Things are not the same as they were before, in the best way possible.

We’ll speak again soon

I hope you enjoyed hearing from Petronille and Dieudonne and that it helped to show how far your donations can go. It’s been a long journey with BLF but it’s been fruitful and worthwhile. Although there’s been ups and downs, if a life has changed during my time volunteering, that’s a real milestone. Thank you for all that you’ve done through your support so far and in the future.  

For now, I have some time off to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. I have plans to visit my fellow BLF volunteers in other districts so we can reflect on ending year and share our experiences. I’d also love to find the time to visit Akagera National Park, I’ve heard it’s breath-taking. I can’t wait to tell you all about it in my next update!

I wish you a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year ahead!   

Take care for now,

Dennis Bwire

VSO District Teaching Advisor