On a chilly morning in Kigali, a group of pupils sit quietly at their desks long before the official school bell rings. While their peers are still arriving, these children are already engaged in a small group discussion led by their teacher. They are part of Nzamurabushobozi, a remedial program designed by the Rwanda Education Board (REB) to give struggling learners an opportunity to catch up and continue their studies without being left behind.
Two phases, one goal:
The program operates in two main phases.
Every day before normal classes start, teachers dedicate time to learners who did not fully grasp the previous lessons. This close follow-up helps them rebuild confidence and match the pace of their classmates.
During the long holidays, students who fail to reach the 50% pass mark are enrolled in a one-month intensive remedial course. At the end of the program, they sit for exams to measure their progress.
Results on the ground
Dr. Flora Mutezigaju, Deputy Director General of REB, says the program is already proving its worth.
“When you have five or ten children in a class, the teacher can focus on each one individually, identify their weaknesses and offer direct support. It is important to give children a second chance because many factors can cause them to fall behind in their learning,” she explained.
According to Dr. Mutezigaju, most learners who score between 40% and 49% are able to improve to 50% or more after taking part in the program—giving them the opportunity to progress to the next grade.
Praise and concerns from schools
At GS Ayabaraya, Head Teacher Bandirimba Emmanuel acknowledges that the initiative makes a difference but also raises concerns.
“It is a useful program, but sometimes I believe a child who fails should repeat the entire school year for deeper mastery of the subjects. Another issue is that teachers lose their holiday rest, and the compensation for this work remains a matter of debate,” he noted.
A broader vision for education
Beyond individual schools, the Nzamurabushobozi program reflects Rwanda’s broader ambition to strengthen its education system. It complements government policies such as free education up to secondary level and the provision of school meals for all pupils.
For many learners, Nzamurabushobozi is more than a remedial class, it is a second chance at success, a pathway to resilience, and a reminder that every child, regardless of their challenges, deserves the opportunity to move forward.
