Why English Matters in Rwanda
In Rwanda today, teachers are doing their best to make learning better for all children. Since English became the language of teaching, many good changes have happened. Rwanda now connects more with other countries and joins global education programs.
But one big challenge remains; many teachers still struggle to speak and teach in English confidently. This affects how students learn, ask questions, and express ideas.
Improving teachers’ English is not only about language. It is about quality education, confidence, and better communication in our classrooms.
In this blog post, we will explore why English is important, the problems teachers face, and practical ways Rwanda can help teachers speak and teach better English.
What Makes English Important in Rwandan Classrooms?
Here are a few reasons why English matters in our schools:
- It connects Rwanda with the East African Community and the world.
- Most books, websites, and digital learning tools are written in English.
- It helps students continue their studies in universities inside and outside Rwanda.
- It opens more job opportunities for young people in the future.
For these reasons, every teacher — especially in English, science, and social studies — needs good English skills to guide learners well.
The Big Problem: Low English Proficiency Among Teachers
Although many teachers try their best, some still find it hard to:
- Speak English fluently in class.
- Explain complex ideas using simple English.
- Give instructions and feedback in English.
- Write lesson plans and reports confidently.
This problem is stronger in rural areas, where teachers have fewer chances to practice English or attend training.
How Rwanda Can Support Teachers to Speak Better English
Here are seven practical ways we can solve this challenge and help teachers grow.
1. Continuous English Training for Teachers
The first step is to make English training part of every teacher’s life, not only during pre-service education.
How this can happen:
- Organize school-based English clubs for teachers.
- Include a short English practice session in weekly staff meetings.
- Run district-level training through Teacher Development Centers (TDCs).
Example: In Gisagara District, teachers can form English study groups where they meet every Friday to read, listen, and speak English together.
2. Use Free Online English Tools
Teachers do not need to wait for workshops to improve their language. The internet offers many free English learning tools.
Here are a few:
- British Council Learn English: short lessons and listening practice.
- BBC Learning English: videos, grammar tips, and quizzes.
- Duolingo App: daily 5-minute English lessons.
Teachers can plan to learn 10 new English words or phrases every week.
3. Build Mentorship and Peer Support Programs
Teachers learn best from other teachers. Rwanda can strengthen peer mentorship by:
- Pairing teachers with stronger English speakers for weekly practice.
- Creating “English Corners” in schools.
- Using WhatsApp groups to share voice notes and practice short dialogues.
Example: Each sector could have a “Language Champion Teacher” who supports others in improving classroom English.
4. Provide Classroom English Handbooks
Many teachers struggle with what to say in class. A simple solution is to prepare a “Classroom English Handbook” with:
- Common classroom instructions
- Question phrases
- Encouraging expressions
- Example sentences for giving feedback
Example phrases:
- “Please open your books on page 12.”
- “Work in pairs.”
- “Well done! Keep it up.”
Having such guides will help even new teachers feel confident speaking English every day.
5. Blend English Practice into Professional Development
During every Continuous Professional Development (CPD) or Community of Practice (CoP) meeting, there can be a short English improvement activity — like reading a paragraph aloud, or discussing a short article in English.
This way, language improvement becomes part of daily professional growth — not something separate.
Internal link: Read more on our previous article: How Communities of Practice Help Rwandan Teachers Grow Professionally
6. Encourage Positive Use of Kinyarwanda and English Together
Sometimes, teachers mix Kinyarwanda and English when teaching. This is not always bad. Using both languages can help learners understand better, this method is called translanguaging.
Teachers can:
- Use Kinyarwanda to introduce new ideas.
- Repeat main ideas in English.
- Slowly increase English use as students grow confident.
The goal is to support understanding first, then help learners move toward English fluency.
7. Motivate Teachers Through Recognition and Support
Improving English is easier when teachers feel valued.
The Ministry of Education, REB, and local leaders can:
- Recognize teachers who improve or mentor others.
- Give certificates for completing language workshops.
- Share inspiring stories of teachers who grew from beginner to fluent level.
A motivated teacher becomes an inspiring model for students.
What Teachers Themselves Can Do Daily
Even without outside training, teachers can take small steps:
Every Day:
- Read one English article, paragraph, or poem aloud.
- Use English to greet colleagues and learners.
- Listen to short English podcasts (e.g., BBC 6-Minute English).
Every Week:
- Watch one English movie or documentary with subtitles.
- Write a short reflection in English about your teaching week.
- Teach a simple “word of the week” to your learners.
Consistency is more important than perfection.
The Benefits of Teachers Speaking Better English
When teachers grow in English fluency:
- Learners understand lessons better.
- Classroom discussions become lively and interactive.
- Teachers gain confidence and career growth.
- Schools perform better in national examinations.
- Rwanda continues to build a strong education system aligned with global standards.
Inspiring Example: Teacher Communities Making Change
Across Rwanda, Communities of Practice (CoPs) like the one led by Gisagara CoP of English Teachers are showing great results.
Teachers meet regularly to:
- Share teaching ideas.
- Practice English communication.
- Support each other with lesson plans and resources.
Such grassroots initiatives prove that teachers can lead transformation when they work together.
Internal link:Explore How the Gisagara CoP is Training Teachers to Use Technology in English Classrooms
External Inspiration and Global Support
Rwanda can continue partnering with international organizations that promote language education:
- British Council Rwanda runs teacher training and English language programs.
- UNESCO Rwanda supports literacy and multilingual education.
- Global Partnership for Education funds projects improving teacher quality and access to education.
Through collaboration, Rwanda can build a system where every teacher becomes a confident English communicator.
Conclusion: Step by Step, Rwanda Can Achieve It
Improving teachers’ English is not a one-time task.
It is a journey of learning, support, and confidence building.
If schools, districts, and teachers work together-using online tools, peer mentorship, CoPs, and recognition-Rwanda will soon have a strong team of teachers who speak, teach, and inspire in English.
When teachers grow, learners grow and when learners grow, Rwanda grows.
Call to Action
If you are a teacher reading this: Start today! Choose one small goal, learn 10 English words, speak more in meetings, or teach one lesson fully in English.
If you are a leader or policymaker: Invest in teacher language support. It is the foundation of quality learning.
Together, let’s make our classrooms places of clear communication, confidence, and growth.
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