Rwanda’s National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) has urged parents to strictly follow the schedule for returning children to school and respect district-based travel arrangements to ensure students have adequate time to prepare for classes.
The reminder came Friday as the first group of students began returning to schools from six districts — Ruhango, Gisagara, Ngororero, Ngoma, Kirehe and Rulindo.
Students in the first phase said traveling early gives them time to settle before lessons officially begin.
“When we go back early, it allows us to rest and prepare to start classes with a fresh mind,” said Irakoze Marie Gisele, one of the returning students. “That way, no student struggles on the first day of lessons.”
The education body has also organized special pick-up points, including at Pele Stadium in Kigali, to ease transportation. Previously, many students crowded at Nyabugogo bus terminal, where they faced theft, confusion and long delays.
“It used to be very difficult because of the overcrowding,” said student Manzi Herve. “Sometimes people stole from you, or you couldn’t find a bus. But here, there’s no problem.”
Parents welcomed the new arrangement, saying it helps children travel safely and arrive at school without exhaustion.
“There used to be so much congestion that children faced problems on the road, and parents would even spend nights escorting them,” said Nyirahitimana Mathilide, a mother accompanying her child. “Now we are confident in their safety, and that is very good.”
NESA’s director of school inspection, Angelique Boneza, called on parents nationwide to respect the district schedules to keep the process orderly.
“We ask every parent to comply with the student travel plan and follow the timetable provided by the district where their child studies,” she said.
The phased return is expected to conclude Sept. 8, after which schools will review available spaces to accommodate students who requested transfers.
