Savannah- Unbelievable Progress! 87%!

I feel the improvement here all the time. That’s part of what’s so captivating about Rwanda- the sense of forward momentum. But it’s not always easy to measure or solidly document. This week it was.

Kagugu Primary, the school IEE has been working with the longest, received the results of the National Exam. Last year, Kagugu had one of the highest percentages of students pass the National Exam- 40% passed.

This year an astonishing 87% of students passed the Exam! They more than doubled their success rate!

I am so proud of the hard work of the teachers and students at this school. Students who pass the National Exam are eligible for secondary school; those who don’t, end their education at sixth grade. That is why this test is so important. As I blogged about previously, after this group of students secondary school will be open to all students regardless of their exam score. However, this is still an indicator of how well students are learning.

Though the dramatic improvement is primarily a reflection of the students’ and teachers’ hard work, I do believe the efforts of IEE have contributed to their success. Over the past year we have built a library and supplied it with badly needed books, worked with the government to bring in water, electricity, computers, and internet, and brought American teachers to teach English, computer skills, and new teaching methods. These efforts alone did not make students at Kagugu successful, rather we have provided Rwandans with the tools they requested and needed. With these tools, they are making amazing change in their own lives!

The collective hard work of Kagugu’s teachers, students, IEE and our volunteers means greater opportunity for the 156 students who will now be eligible to continue their education through 12th grade! How exciting to be a part of this significant, lasting improvement!



On a personal level, I wanted the teachers to know how excited we are for their success, so I congratulated them in the best way I know how given my resources here- with a gift of baking! I baked cookies that spelled out “Congratulation Kagugu” (the “S” got burned). :D I think the teachers enjoyed a small after-school celebration although the real reward is in their own satisfaction and the increased opportunities now available to a whole class of bright students.





The excitement should not end here however. The Government is thrilled with what we have done already and wants us to do more. In February, we hope to begin teacher training similar to that we conducted at Kagugu at all five of our partner schools. Kagugu’s success this year has shown us that if we are willing to offer the needed tools, Rwandans are willing to work hard for success!