Learning peace in Rwanda


Schools play a key role in building peace in Rwanda following the genocide in 1994. Interview with Professor Romain Murenzi, Education Minister of Rwanda.

What are the major problems in education that Rwanda faces today?

The lack of qualified teachers is a huge problem. We have considerably expanded the education system but the number of qualified teachers has not been able to follow. In primary school, 65 per cent of teachers are qualified, in secondary school, 33 per cent and in universities only 25 per cent of teachers have a PhD degree. Another major problem is the lack of textbooks - today we only have one textbook per three pupils.

Do you believe schools can help promote tolerance among pupils?

The very fact that 1.6 million Rwandan children go to school every day shows that schools sometimes can promote peace because they bring together children from different backgrounds. We have also eliminated all discrimination related to entry exams, which are now based on qualifications only. Our National Unity and Reconciliation Commission teaches people peace throughout the country. We are also going to introduce peace education in our curriculum.

In your opinion, does more education lead to more peace?

If you want to build a sustainable democracy it is important to educate people who can fight for their rights and against dictatorship. Education is also important to get people to contribute to the economy. We're trying to establish a national literacy programme that will use primary schools as the infrastructure and primary school teachers as trainers. Our aim is to reach 80-90 per cent literacy in five to seven years.

Education Today, Executive Office, Education Sector, UNESCO
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