Education:

 Fee Free Education: The Government implemented a policy of fee-free primary education in which school fees have been abolished and replaced by a capitation grant, which has increased to 2,500FRw (USD4.50) in 2006.

 Education and Gender: The Rwandan Government has prioritized education of girls and Gender Development is recognized as a key component in improving economic and social well being. The Government is full aware that investing in Girl’s education contributes to the achievement of critical social objectives like decreased fertility and infant mortality, increased child health and improved productivity.

 Trilingualism: Rwanda has chosen the path of multilingualism. This has economic, social and political justification. Apart from the mother tongue of Kinyarwanda, French and English have been introduced in all schools as curriculum subjects and as the language of instruction from primary grade 4. All three languages are found throughout the education system from primary to tertiary levels.

 HIV/AIDS Education: The introduction of teaching HIV/AIDS and life skills was initiated in formal and less formal ways in the education system a number of years ago. In primary schools, some teaching has begun on a small scale, concentrated in the P5 and P6 grades, though there is a suggestion that HIV education shall begin in P1. In secondary schools the subject of HIV/AIDS is covered in science lessons to varying degrees. In Higher Institutions students are given advice about HIV/AIDS during their induction, and some limited counselling facilities exist in some of the Institutions.

 Science, Technology and ICT: The Education System in Rwanda is characterised by enabling pupils and students to think critically and scientifically. At primary level, pupils are taught to observe the environment which surrounds them and are encouraged to learn by handling different objects. A course entitled “Science and Elementary Technologyâ€� was recently incorporated into the curriculum.

 Special Education:

In line with the Millennium Development goals, to attain education for all by 2015, the Government of Rwanda recognizes that special needs education is now a priority and is therefore focusing on strengthening education for pupils with special needs.