This pioneering initiative is designed to weave the use of robots into the fabric of education, commencing at the primary school level. Within this framework, educators will leverage robots, equipped with cutting-edge technology, as a medium to deliver conventional curriculum content to students.

The rationale behind this innovative approach is grounded in observations that the inclusion of robots in pedagogy significantly enhances student engagement, particularly in the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

This method not only makes learning more enjoyable for students but also plays a crucial role in bolstering their innovative thinking and creativity.

Moreover, these robots act as tangible educational tools, enabling students to put theory into practice. This hands-on methodology aids in a more comprehensive exploration and comprehension of academic concepts, thereby nurturing a deeper level of student engagement through firsthand interaction and observation.

Oversight of the program will be provided by the Ministry of Education, with the Rwanda Education Board (REB) and the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) conducting daily supervisions.

The program’s official launch was spearheaded by Ingabire Musoni Paula, the Minister of Information Technology and Innovation, and Twagirayezu Gaspard, the Minister of Education, on Friday, March 15, 2024.

The launch event saw the participation of notable individuals such as Belén Calvo Uyarra, the European Union Ambassador to Rwanda, and Primus Peter, the German Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires in Rwanda, along with representatives from various sectors.

Minister Ingabire articulated that the initiative to integrate robots into the educational sector is a result of a joint endeavor with the Ministry of Education, aimed at acquainting students with robotics and artificial intelligence - key components in the modern era of the fourth industrial revolution.

Minister Twagirayezu Gaspard underscored the program’s objective to equip students with critical problem-solving capabilities via contemporary technology. He expressed the imperative of congregating collective efforts to furnish students with essential knowledge resources for their academic pursuits.

Twagirayezu also highlighted that this initiative is about bringing people together to ensure students are well-equipped with the knowledge they need in their studies."

In Rwanda, the emphasis on augmenting the population’s capabilities through education stems from the belief in its people as the nation’s most valuable resource.

To this end, initially, five tech companies specializing in robotics have been selected to devise educational robots for use across various disciplines.

This includes technology aimed at teaching internet-related subjects (Internet of Things - IoT), robotics technology for illustrating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for Electrical Technology and ICT Networking students, as well as robotics technology to support science education for high school students, ICT for freshmen and sophomores, and technology for primary schoolers in grades four and five, with a focus on fostering creativity, understanding of electricity, and beyond.

Norman Schraepel, the Head of Cluster Digital Transformation & Digital Economy at GIZ Rwanda, reflected on the importance of this endeavor and the path forward. He advocated for the expansion of this pilot program to a national scale through collaborative efforts, stating, "Collaboration is key to the success of this program."

Within the upcoming three months, the companies involved are expected to finalize the development of the robotics technology.

This will be followed by a phase dedicated to training teachers on how to integrate these technologies into their instructional practices. Initially, the program will be piloted in 15 schools across Rwanda, benefiting more than 500 students.

Robots are set to be integrated into student learning programs.

The event was attended by prominent figures including the Ambassador of the European Union to Rwanda, Belén Calvo Uyarra.

The program's official launch was held on Friday, March 15, 2024.

Minister Ingabire articulated that the initiative to integrate robots into the educational sector is a result of a joint endeavor with the Ministry of Education.

Minister Twagirayezu Gaspard underscored the program's objective to equip students with critical problem-solving capabilities via contemporary technology.

Norman Schraepel, the Head of Cluster Digital Transformation & Digital Economy at GIZ Rwanda, reflected on the importance of this endeavor and the path forward.

Educators are expected to leverage robots, equipped with cutting-edge technology, as a medium to deliver conventional curriculum content to students.