As the 2025/2026 school year officially kicked off at Groupe Scolaire Kicukiro, Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Dr. Joseph Nsengimana, delivered a powerful message urging parents to stay actively involved in their children’s education. He emphasized that the responsibility of educating and nurturing children should not fall solely on teachers, but should be a shared effort between parents, educators, and the students themselves.
Dr. Nsengimana criticized a mindset held by some parents who believe that once a child steps into a school environment, their responsibility as guardians ends. According to the Minister, this belief is misguided and potentially harmful to a child’s overall success.
“There are parents who think that once a child is dropped off at school, they are safe and fully taken care of. But that’s not the reality. A child requires continuous support from all sides to truly succeed,” said Dr. Nsengimana.
He stressed that learning is a collaborative process, and for students to reach their full potential, parents must engage with teachers to understand how their children are performing academically, behaviorally, and emotionally.
“We want parents to go beyond just accompanying children to school. They should regularly meet with teachers, ask about their children’s strengths, and learn where they need improvement so that they can provide support from home as well,” He added.
A Message to Students: Education Is Your Key to the Future
Dr. Nsengimana also directed part of his speech to the students, reminding them that education is a privilege and a personal responsibility. He urged them to use their time wisely, focus on their studies, and avoid distractions.
“You’re not learning for your parents or your teachers. First and foremost, it is your life that will be shaped by the knowledge and skills you acquire. Don’t waste time study hard to build a better future for yourselves.” He advised.
He further encouraged students to treat every lesson and every school day as a building block toward a more promising life and to recognize that the opportunity to go to school is one that not all children around the world are afforded.
Official 2025/2026 Academic Calendar Released
The Ministry of Education also made public the academic calendar for the 2025/2026 school year, which is structured into three terms:First Term:
Begins on September 8, 2025, and ends on December 19, 2025, followed by a two-week holiday, Second Term:
Starts on January 5, 2026, and runs until April 3, 2026, followed by a three-week holiday, Third Term:
Will begin on April 20, 2026, and conclude on July 3, 2026.
The calendar also includes key examination periods:Practical national exams for vocational education, teacher training, and accounting students will take place from June 1 to June 19, 2026, Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) will be conducted between July 7 and August 9, 2026, Secondary School National Exams will follow from August 15 to August 24, 2026.
These assessments play a major role in evaluating student readiness for the next levels of education or for entering the workforce.
Education Is the Foundation of the Nation’s Future
In closing, Minister Nsengimana reflected on the broader implications of education in shaping Rwanda’s future. He stated that the quality of education provided today directly influences the strength, leadership, and vision of the country tomorrow.
“The children we educate today will become the leaders of tomorrow. The strength and direction of Rwanda in the coming years will be determined by the quality of education we give them now. That is why it is essential for us all parents, teachers, and student to work together toward this shared goal.” He concluded.
