SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda in collaboration with the Ministry Education and Rwanda Basic Education Board organized on October 23 a National Reading Competition for children attending remedial learning classes in 120 public schools from eight districts.
The National Reading Competition organized by the Kura Umenye Program took place at the SOS Technical High School to assess the top 24 best contestants from the district level competitions who now compete on the national level.
Remedial learning aims to improve foundational learning skills in reading, literacy and numeracy for underperforming children from vulnerable households who have struggled academically, particularly those in primary four, five and six.
Cissy Uwamahoro, the interim Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda, stated that the event provides a platform for students who have made notable progress through the Kura Umenye Remedial Learning programme to demonstrate their reading abilities.
Uwamahoro explained that SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda supports vulnerable children in 120 schools in eight districts initiated the Kura Umenye remedial learning programme.
“The programme includes various academic interventions, such as establishing dedicated reading times and spaces, promoting a culture of reading at home and school, and organising debating sessions at school,” she said.
Uwamahoro noted that over four years, the Kura Umenye Program through Remedial Learning aimed to enhance the quality of education for more than 32,000 underperforming children enrolled in a catch-up programme designed to bolster their academic performance.
“The reading competition proves that children who perform poorly in class are not incompetent; they simply require full support to improve,” Uwamahoro added.
She stressed that a unique aspect of the Kura Umenye programme is its emphasis on family involvement, noting that parents are organised into village savings and loan associations to generate income that can support their children’s education.
Furthermore, parents receive training on positive parenting and savings.
Uwamahoro stressed: “Without involving parents, our efforts would be incomplete. We train them on positive parenting and economic empowerment to provide essential support to their children.”
Participants in the competition were selected through a multi-tiered process, starting at the school level and advancing through sector and district levels. Each district is represented by three top-performing students, culminating in 24 from eight districts.
The students are assessed on reading fluency, communication, and speed using a rubric designed by the organizers, she added.
Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Uwamahoro noted significant improvements in both reading skills and overall academic performance among many students.
“This competition is more than just a reading event; it is a testament to the progress these children have made through the programme. It encourages other learners to strive for success and demonstrates that investing in foundational skills is crucial for long-term academic achievement.”
Uwamahoro pointed out that the competition and associated foundational learning campaigns are set to continue annually, with plans to expand the programme to additional schools, ensuring sustainability beyond its current timeline.
Innocent Rukimbira, a parent of a primary six student from Musanze shared his child’s transformation through Kura Umenye programme.
“Before, my child struggled academically, but since the introduction of remedial classes, we have learned how to support him better,” Rukimbira said.
He expressed confidence that the programme will continue to foster his child’s adaptation to the learning environment.
Melania Uwamungu, a teacher at Rutare in Gicumbi District, has been assisting students in remedial classes for about four years. She highlighted the programme’s focus on key subjects such as mathematics, English, and Kinyarwanda, which have been instrumental in enhancing student performance.
“In 2023, we had 18 pupils who previously struggled with reading and writing, but after attending remedial sessions, all of them were promoted to senior one by 2024,” Uwamungu explained.