The issue of overcrowding in Rwanda is specifically common in primary and 12 years basic education where one class accommodates 70 students in some schools across the country.

In a bid to improve quality education, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) advises that a teacher should at least teach students between 30 and 35 per classroom.

Reducing overcrowding is enshrined in the Government of Rwanda’s seven-year plan to promote quality education.

Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente yesterday received Mr. Hafez Ghanem, World Bank Group Vice President for Africa with whom he held discussions focusing on how to strengthen the existing partnership between the World Bank and the Republic of Rwanda in different transformational sectors including education.

Hafez told the media that they discussed a project of USD $ 200 million that will draw emphasis on increasing classrooms and providing enough equipment in schools.

“The Prime Minister demonstrated the importance of education in economic development and combating poverty. He stressed the need for many schools and classrooms. We are preparing a USD $ 200 million projects to fund Rwanda’s goal to promote education,” he said.

Ghanen said that discussions are on course between both sides that cooperation agreement will have been signed by August 2019 if things go well.

The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN), Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana said that the project will help Rwanda to promote quality education if approved through tackling overcrowding in classrooms if approved.

He explained that 70 % of the money will be invested in building schools and buying related equipment.

Dr. Ndagijimana revealed that the anticipated project will last between 3 and 5 years.
Premier Ngirente and Mr. Hafez Ghanem also held discussions focusing on how to strengthen the existing partnership between the WB and Rwanda, especially in transformational sectors like energy, agriculture, transport, urbanization, and human capital.
Other agreements worth USD $71 million were also signed yesterday morning between the Government of Rwanda and the WB. The funds will be utilized in agriculture and uplifting refugees’ welfare and citizens in the neighborhood of refugee camps.