Government Program Reintegrates Tens of Thousands of School Children

The five-year project identified over 189,000 children who were out of school. Officials say poverty, lack of school materials, and family conflicts are the main reasons for dropouts.

Paulin Ndahayo, project manager, said, “So far, we have managed to bring back over 71,000 children, and we continue to track and support the rest.”

For parents like Solange Nyirahabimana, the program has been life-changing. Her child had left GS Rusheshe Primary School in Kicukiro District due to a disability.

“With the project’s support, my child returned to school, and now both my children are happy and learning well,” she said.

GS Rusheshe has reintegrated 26 children who had previously dropped out. School head Jean de Dieu Ntagungira said some students had disabilities or lacked parental support and school materials, which contributed to their absence.

The initiative also partners with Education Above All, a Qatari education organization, to provide resources and support to schools and families.

Officials say the project is helping children overcome barriers to learning and aims to ensure that every child in Rwanda is back in school within five years.

“Education is a key tool for breaking cycles of poverty and social exclusion,” Ndahayo said. “Bringing children back into school benefits not just the child but the entire community.”