Where we do it > Rwanda

Facts & Figures Population: 9.7 million Capital city: Kigali GDP per capita: $1,206 HDI ranking: 161 out of 177 * Life expectancy: 47

Country background

Education

VSO has been working in Rwanda since 1997 when it established an education programme in response to a request from the Ministry of Education, which was seeking classroom support following huge losses in qualified teachers during the genocide of 1994.

Since then, the education programme has diversified considerably. We are aiming to work at primary level and in education management with districts and dioceses. Support we are offering is in the following areas: languages and maths/sciences methodology at primary and lower secondary levels; resources development; teacher education, including in service training; and in education management with districts in the areas of data analysis, inspections, and inclusion of PTAs in school management. As a result, we are pulling out of teaching placements in secondary schools from 2009. HIV and AIDS is mainstreamed in all education programme placements and we are running an externally-funded project to support Anti-AIDS clubs in secondary schools and encourage work on HIV and AIDS prevention in the community in four districts of Rwanda. Additionally work in the area of global education is supporting the role of international school linking programmes to support cross-cultural understanding.

Disability

One of the impacts of the 1994 genocide was an increased number of people with physical disabilities and mental health trauma. The government has developed a strategy that commits to addressing the needs and rights of disabled people. While VSO Rwanda has had a link to disability for some time, with teachers and trainers being placed in institutions addressing special education needs work in this area is being expanded to support the government’s efforts. VSO Rwanda is currently running an externally-funded project on disability with a focus on building the capacity of national disability organisations to advocate effectively on behalf of disabled people. Volunteers are also being recruited to support the provision of quality professional services and care within centres for disabled people.

Work in the area of secure livelihoods is also being developed. National Volunteering is being supported with work to build the capacity of the major national volunteering network and with the start of integration of national volunteering into the education and disability programmes.