P5 learning enrichment program, a success!

Every year, P6 students take a national examination. Based on the results, the Ministry of Education sends a limited number of outstanding pupils to secondary boarding schools. The national examination covers all subjects from 4th to 6th grade. The exams are given in English; a subject students are still struggling to master. Sixth grade teachers faced the difficult task of teaching content and skills that have not been sufficiently understood in the earlier grades to effectively build upon. To address this problem, REAP in partnership with Duha, started an Enriched Learning Program for students who passed P5, while waiting to start P6. Under the supervision of REAP staff Elisaphane and P5 math teacher Valens, this 6-week holiday program begin in November, and was recently completed before Christmas. The program aimed to help refocus students’ energy on mathematics and English language, while emphasizing understanding rather than breadth and coverage.

Elisaphane and Valens collaborated with Eugene, REAP’s educational coordinator, to select specific topics from P4 and P5 that directly connect with P6 subject matter. They identified the content that most commonly shows up on national examinations. Every day, students were divided into two classes. Elisaphane taught English, while Valens led math. At the end of each chapter, students were evaluated to assess their level of understanding, while gaps in knowledge were addressed on an individual level. The program has turned out more than 60 students everyday since it was launched.

Fabulous Senior 6 National Exam results at Duha School!

Upon completion of secondary school in Rwandan public schools, students are expected to take a national examination. Students must pass the national exam to receive their high school diploma. Those students who score high enough may very well earn university scholarships, distributed by the government.

At Duha, students may take the test in 2 major subjects: HEG (History, Economics and Geography) or EKK (English, Kinyarwanda and Kiswahili). Last year, Duha’s pass rate was 100% in HEG and 85.7% in EKK.

These astounding outcomes were a direct result of extensive learning enhancement programs that students have been immersed in since primary grades. These programs include classroom reading sessions, Saturday learning enrichment initiatives and improved library services that enhance reading and research, just to name a few.

We are very proud of the incredible drive our students display. REAP works hard to match that effort and facilitate lifelong learning for these impressive scholars.

Mandela, a REAP alumnus is employed by a leading Mining Company in Rwanda!

Since 2010, REAP has offered 17 high school scholarships to brilliant yet vulnerable students who pass P6 or S3 national exams and can’t afford pursuing their education. Mandela is one of the scholarships students who, with REAP’s sponsorship, has successfully graduated from high school and used his schooling to capitalize on job opportunities.                                                                                                       

Mandela is now employed as a chef at Piran Resources Rwanda, one of the leading Mining Companies in Rwanda. During an interview with our staff, Lunnie, Piran’s manager said that Mandela beat out 3 outstanding and highly qualified candidates in a competitive job application process. He also commended Mandela as their most disciplined and hard working employee. Mandela’s proficiency with English has ensured his steady rise in the company to where he now has opportunities to train other cooks and take on more of the daily managerial responsibilities.

REAP scholarships provide immediate and future benefits to their lucky recipients. Keep making us proud Mandela, we will continue to make you proud!