The Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya has officiated the start of exams at Groupe Scolaire Nyagasambu in Fumbwe Sector of Rwamagana District which serves as an examination center for 633 learners (including 301 boys and 332 girls) from four schools including Rwamashyongoshyo Parents School, GS Runyinya, Nyagasambu Vision and GS Nyagasambu.

Minister Uwamariya told the candidates to consider the exam as an opportunity giving them chance to be promoted to the next level.

“You have spent six years preparing for this exam allowing you to be promoted to the next level. In fact, it is about preparations to join the category of mature people. This is a good move for you but it is not extraordinary because you have done exams at different times,” she said.

Minister Uwamariya has revealed that learners have had smooth preparations unlike the past two years where studies were affected by COVID-19.

Even though the pandemic has not yet been defeated, Minister Uwamariya observed that this school year went well and ended on time without COVID-19 restrictions suspending studies and expressed optimism for good performance.

She also urged parents and head teachers to make sure that all children participate lest they are deprived of a brighter future.

At least 429,151 finalists from primary, ordinary level and upper secondary school are expected to sit for national exams this year.

Ordinary level exams are scheduled between 26thy July and 2nd August 2022 while students completing the upper secondary school will sit for national exams from 26th July to 5th August 2022.

Besides, candidates from Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) will sit for exams between 26th July and 3rd August 2022 while written exams for students from Vocational Training Schools are scheduled to run from 26th July to 5th August 2022.

At last 254,000 primary school finalists sat for national exams last year.

Minister Uwamariya offering exam papers to primary finalists as she officiated the start of national exams.