The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) has revealed that only about 45% of teachers in secondary schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions currently have sufficient proficiency in English. Efforts are underway to raise this figure to 80% by the 2028/2029 academic year.
This was announced by Dr. Rose Baguma, Director of Education Policy at MINEDUC, during a national education forum held on June 20, 2025. The meeting brought together government officials, private sector representatives, and education partners to discuss challenges facing the education sector particularly at the secondary level and seek viable solutions.
Dr. Baguma stated that the proportion of English-proficient teachers had increased from 38% in the 2024/2025 academic year to 45%, and the ministry’s goal is to reach 80% by 2029.
“We want to continue improving this because, as you know, English is the primary language of instruction, for both students and teachers. English proficiency is essential,” she said. “We will continue to train teachers so that they can improve in this area.”
The Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, emphasized the importance of strong language skills, especially in English, which is the language of instruction in Rwanda. He pointed out that teachers must be fluent in English in order to effectively teach and support their students.
He noted, “If you’re teaching in English even if it’s Mathematics but you don’t understand English well, then your students will struggle to understand what you’re teaching. That’s why it’s crucial that teachers master the language they use in teaching.”
While addressing both chambers of Parliament on June 19, 2025, regarding the government’s achievements in improving the well-being of Rwandans, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente stated that measures were in place to address the issue of teachers with low English proficiency.
He said, “As you’ve heard, we brought in teachers from Zimbabwe, and we’re planning to bring in more. Many of them are English instructors placed in teacher training colleges so that the future teachers will graduate fluent in English.”
He added that the government is implementing a two-year program for current in-service teachers to study English. Afterward, they will be required to take a proficiency exam. Those who pass will remain in the profession, while those who fail may have to leave teaching due to their inability to instruct in English.
A Prime Ministerial Order issued on November 12, 2024, introduced a special status for employees in basic education. It stipulates that teacher recruitment exams must be taken in English, which is the language of instruction, unless the applicant is applying to teach another language.
Article 10 of the order specifies: “A teacher applicant must take an English proficiency test as it is the language used in education. Candidates who fail the test will not be hired.”
Furthermore, for a teacher to be promoted, they must: Hold a teaching license issued by the Ministry in charge of education; Possess a degree or professional qualification in education; Or have at least three years of experience in their current position.
Additionally, teachers must pass an English proficiency assessment every three years, based on standards set by the Ministry of Education. They must also pass a post-training assessment for professional development, again based on criteria defined by the Ministry.
Article 46 states that any teacher who fails the English assessment twice will be dismissed from their position.
Aline Nyampinga