Education Statistical Yearbook 2021-22
Education Statistical Yearbook 2021-22
MAY 2023
The Rwanda Education Statistical Yearbook for 2021/22 is a comprehensive report that presents
detailed information on the status of education for the school year ended in July 2022. This report
gives an informative data insight on various aspects of education, including available school
infrastructure and materials, access to education, enrolment, retention, gender parity, school staff,
ICT in education and school textbooks.
This publication is particularly significant as it comes at a time when Rwanda is undergoing a period
of significant transformation in the education sector. The main updates observed in the revised
education law include the change in the official school age, the introduction of associate nursing
program in upper secondary and the shift of accounting program from TVET level. These key
changes are also coming in addition the recent government's commitment to scale up the school
feeding program to all levels which is currently playing a major role towards improving access to
education and increasing school attendance with a focus on children from low-income families.
One of the key highlights of this year's report is the progress made in increasing access to all levels
of education. The government has made significant effort in the use of ICT for teaching and learning
by improving the student’s computer ratio. The decrease in the dropout rate is a remarkable
achievement considering the challenges faced in the past, where the dropout rate was consistently
increasing.
Despite the key achievements registered in Rwanda education during the school year 2021/2022,
one of the observed key challenges that need special attention is the high repetition rate which is
mainly resulting from a high number of overaged students and a low net enrollment rate in secondary
education. The report acknowledges this challenge and highlights the need for a continuous and
sustainable strategy to decrease this repetition rate including the implementation of school feeding
program, the introduction of remedial programs, the construction of new schools and classrooms,
the provision of learning materials and equipment, and the recruitment of additional teachers.
Therefore, the Rwanda Education Statistical Yearbook for 2021/22 is a testament to the
government's commitment to promoting education as a fundamental human right and a critical driver
of socio-economic development. It is my hope that this yearbook will serve as a valuable resource
for policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders in the education sector as they work towards
achieving the goal of providing quality education for all learners in Rwanda.
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD ............................................................................................................................. i
TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................................................. ii
LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................iv
LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................iv
LIST OF ANNEXES ...................................................................................................................ix
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS............................................................................................ x
GLOSSARY .............................................................................................................................xi
INTRODUCTION AND SCHOOL CENSUS METHODOLOGY .......................................................... xiii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................... xiv
GENERAL OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................... 1
1. SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE .............................................................................................. 3
1.1 Number of schools by levels of education and schools’ settings ......................................3
1.2 Number of schools by schools’ status ............................................................................6
1.3 Number of schools by owner ..........................................................................................9
1.4 Classrooms in use and classes in school ......................................................................13
1.5 Number of desks in school ...........................................................................................17
1.6 Sport facilities in school...............................................................................................20
2. LEARNERS ..................................................................................................................... 22
2.1 Number of learners per school status ...........................................................................22
2.2 Number of learners per grade .......................................................................................31
2.3 Learners by specialization ............................................................................................35
2.4 Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics students .........................................40
2.5 Learners by age ...........................................................................................................42
2.6 Gross and net enrolment rate .......................................................................................46
2.7 Gross and net intake rate .............................................................................................50
2.8 Internal efficiency.........................................................................................................53
2.9 Promotion, repetition and dropout rate .........................................................................55
2.10 Number of students completing the level ..................................................................58
2.11 Students transitioning to the next level ......................................................................65
2.12 Learners’ accommodation ........................................................................................67
ii
3. SCHOOL STAFF .............................................................................................................. 69
3.1 School staff per school status ......................................................................................69
3.2 Teaching staff per school status ..................................................................................71
3.3 Administrative staff per school status ..........................................................................76
3.4 School staff by qualification .........................................................................................78
3.5 Qualified teaching staff ................................................................................................83
3.6 Trained teaching staff ..................................................................................................87
4. ICT, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY..................................................................................... 91
4.1 Use of ICT in schools ...................................................................................................91
4.2 ICT, Science, and technology facilities ..........................................................................92
4.3 ICT, Science, and technology equipment .......................................................................95
4.4 Computers ...................................................................................................................96
5. BOOKS AND TEXTBOOKS ...............................................................................................100
5.1 Books in use by learners ............................................................................................ 100
6. ENERGY, WATER AND SANITATION .................................................................................105
6.1 On grid electricity ....................................................................................................... 105
6.2 Off grid electricity ...................................................................................................... 106
6.3 Water......................................................................................................................... 108
6.4 Sanitation .................................................................................................................. 110
7. SCHOOL NUTRITION......................................................................................................112
7.1 Learners fed at school ............................................................................................... 112
7.2 School nutrition facilities and equipment .................................................................... 113
8. SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION..........................................................................................115
8.1 Adapted facilities for learners with special needs ....................................................... 115
8.2 Staff trained in special needs and inclusive education. ................................................ 117
8.3 Learners with disability .............................................................................................. 119
8.4 Refugee students ....................................................................................................... 122
8.5 Orphan students ........................................................................................................ 124
8.6 Students in correctional centers ................................................................................. 125
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...............................................................................126
ANNEX ................................................................................................................................127
iii
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF TABLES
iv
Table 1.5.1: Total number of desks, by schools’ status ............................................................. 17
Table 1.5.2: Number of Preprimary desks, by schools’ status .................................................... 18
Table 1.5.3: Number of primary desks by school status ............................................................ 18
Table 1.5.4: Number of gen. and prof. secondary desks ........................................................... 19
Table 1.5.5: Number of TVET desks for level I to 5 ................................................................... 19
Table 1.5.6: Number of Adult literacy desks ............................................................................ 20
Table 1.6.1: Game and materials for Pre-Primary level in 2021/22 ............................................. 20
Table 1.6.2: Sport facilities in primary and secondary schools in 2021/22 ................................. 21
Table 2.1.1: Number of total learners in Rwanda education system ........................................... 22
Table 2.1.2: Number of children in Early Childhood Developments (ECDs) .................................. 23
Table 2.1.3: Number of preprimary pupils ................................................................................ 24
Table 2.1.4: Primary school pupils by school status ................................................................. 25
Table 2.1.5: Number of lower secondary students.................................................................... 26
Table 2.1.6: Number of general and professional upper secondary students .............................. 26
Table 2.1.7: Total TVET trainees in level I to 5 .......................................................................... 27
Table 2.1.8: Number of students in TVET schools and accounting ............................................. 28
Table 2.1.9: Higher education Institution students ................................................................... 28
Table 2.1.10: Students enrolled in Polytechnics ....................................................................... 29
Table 2.1.11: Students enrolled in General Higher Education ..................................................... 30
Table 2.1.12: Learners in adult literacy centers ........................................................................ 30
Table 2.2.1: Enrolled primary school pupils by grade ................................................................ 31
Table 2.2.2: Lower secondary school student’s enrolment ........................................................ 32
Table 2.2.3: General and professional upper secondary school student’s enrolment.................... 32
Table 2.2.4: Total number of TVET trainees ............................................................................. 33
Table 2.2.5: TVET trainee’s enrolment from level 1 to 5 ............................................................. 34
Table 2.3.1: Upper secondary students by learning area ........................................................... 35
Table 2.3.2: Upper secondary students per learning area in 2021/22 ......................................... 36
Table 2.3.3: Proportion of upper secondary students per grade in 2021/22 ................................ 37
Table 2.3.4: Higher education students enrolled by field of education. ....................................... 38
Table 2.3.5: TVET short courses trainees by type of intervention ............................................... 39
Table 2.4.1: STEM students enrolled in upper secondary .......................................................... 40
Table 2.4.2: Percentage of STEM students enrolled in upper secondary ..................................... 41
Table 2.4.3: STEM students enrolled in Higher education ......................................................... 41
Table 2.4.4: Percentage of STEM students enrolled in Higher education .................................... 42
Table 2.5.1: Number of enrolled learners in 2021/22 per age group and level of education .......... 42
Table 2.5.2: Number of over-age learners for grade .................................................................. 43
Table 2.5.3: Percentage of learners over-age for grade ............................................................. 44
Table 2.5.4: People aged 3-22 in school and out of school by official school age ........................ 44
Table 2.5.5: Participation rate for children aged 3 - 6 years ....................................................... 45
Table 2.5.6: Participation rate for people aged 6-18 ................................................................. 45
Table 2.5.7: Participation rate for people aged 3 - 23 ............................................................... 46
Table 2.6.1: National average for Gross and Net enrolment rate ................................................ 46
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Table 2.6.2: Preprimary Gross and Net enrollment rate ............................................................. 47
Table 2.6.3: Primary Gross and Net enrollment rate ................................................................. 47
Table 2.6.4: Secondary Gross and Net enrollment rate ............................................................. 48
Table 2.6.5: Lower secondary Gross and Net enrollment rate .................................................... 48
Table 2.6.6: Upper secondary Gross and Net enrollment rate .................................................... 49
Table 2.6.7: Higher education GER and students per 100,000 inhabitants .................................. 49
Table 2.6.8: Gender parity index in enrollment ......................................................................... 50
Table 2.7.1: Primary Gross and Net intake rate ........................................................................ 50
Table 2.7.2: Gross and Net Intake rate in S1 ............................................................................ 51
Table 2.7.3: Gross and Net Intake rate in S3 ............................................................................ 52
Table 2.7.4: Gross and Net Intake rate in S6 ............................................................................ 52
Table 2.8.1: Proportion of P1 students who reach S6 within 12 years. ....................................... 53
Table 2.8.2: Proportion of P1 students who reach P6 within 6 years. ......................................... 54
Table 2.8.3: Proportion of S1 students who reach S6 within 6 years. ......................................... 54
Table 2.9.1: National average for Promotion, repetition, and dropout rate .................................. 55
Table 2.9.2: Promotion, repetition, and dropout rate in primary schools ..................................... 56
Table 2.9.3: Promotion, repetition, and dropout rate in secondary schools ................................. 56
Table 2.9.4: Promotion, repetition, and dropout rate in lower secondary schools ........................ 57
Table 2.9.5: Promotion, repetition, and dropout rate in upper secondary schools ........................ 57
Table 2.10.1: National examination results for Primary (P6) ..................................................... 58
Table 2.10.2: National examination results for lower secondary (S3) ......................................... 58
Table 2.10.3: Upper secondary national examination results ..................................................... 59
Table 2.10.4: General upper secondary national examination results (S6) .................................. 59
Table 2.10.5: National examination results in TTCs (Y3) ........................................................... 60
Table 2.10.6: National examination results in TVET(L5) ............................................................ 60
Table 2.10.7: Number of Higher education graduates ............................................................... 61
Table 2.10.8: Polytechnics graduates ..................................................................................... 61
Table 2.10.9: General Higher Education graduates ................................................................... 62
Table 2.10.10: Higher education graduates by exit award ......................................................... 62
Table 2.10.11: Higher education graduates by fields of education ............................................. 63
Table 2.10.12: STEM graduates in Higher education institutions .............................................. 63
Table 2.10.13: Percentage of STEM graduates in Higher education institutions .......................... 64
Table 2.10.14: Adult Literacy learners who received their certificates. ....................................... 64
Table 2.11.1: Primary one newly admitted pupil of which attended pre-primary .......................... 65
Table 2.11.2: Transition rate from primary to lower secondary .................................................. 65
Table 2.11.3: Transition rate from lower to upper secondary ..................................................... 66
Table 2.11.4: Percentage of students enrolled in TVET L3 after passing S3 National Exam .......... 66
Table 2.11.5: Transition rate from secondary to Higher education ............................................. 66
Table 2.12.1: Boarding and non-boarding students in secondary and TVET level ......................... 67
Table 2.12.2: Number of boarding students in Gen. and prof secondary ..................................... 68
Table 2.12.3: Number of boarding students in TVET level 1 to 5 ................................................ 68
Table 3.1.1: Number of total school staff in Rwanda education system ..................................... 69
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Table 3.1.2: Number of total school staff in Preprimary, Primary, Secondary and TVET L1-L5....... 70
Table 3.1.3: Number of Higher education staff ........................................................................ 70
Table 3.2.1: Teaching staff in Preprimary, primary, secondary, TVET L1-L5 ................................. 71
Table 3.2.2: Pre-primary school teaching staff by school's status .............................................. 72
Table 3.2.3: Primary school teaching staff by school status ..................................................... 72
Table 3.2.4: Number of Gen. and Prof. secondary teaching staff by school status ...................... 73
Table 3.2.5: Number of TVET L1 to L5 teaching staff by school status ....................................... 73
Table 3.2.6: Number of Higher education academic staff ......................................................... 74
Table 3.2.7: Instructors in adult literacy centers....................................................................... 74
Table 3.2.8: Pupil teacher ratio ............................................................................................... 75
Table 3.3.1: Total Number of administrative staff in education system ...................................... 76
Table 3.3.2: Administrative staff in Preprimary, primary, secondary and TVET L1 to L5 ................ 76
Table 3.3.3: Number of administrative staff in Higher education institutions .............................. 77
Table 3.4.1: Number of preprimary staff by qualification .......................................................... 78
Table 3.4.2: Number of primary staff by qualification ............................................................... 79
Table 3.4.3: Number of gen. and prof. secondary staff by qualification ...................................... 80
Table 3.4.4: Number of TVET L1_L5 staff by qualification ......................................................... 81
Table 3.4.5: Number of Higher education staff by qualification ................................................. 82
Table 3.4.6: Number of Higher education academic staff by qualification .................................. 82
Table 3.4.7: Number of Higher education administrative staff by level of education .................... 83
Table 3.5.1: Qualified teaching staff in Preprimary education .................................................... 84
Table 3.5.2: Qualified teaching staff in primary education ......................................................... 84
Table 3.5.3: Qualified teaching staff in gen. and prof. secondary education ............................... 85
Table 3.5.4: Qualified teaching staff in TVET education ............................................................ 85
Table 3.5.5: PhD holders among academic staff in Higher education ......................................... 86
Table 3.5.6: Pupil qualified teacher ratio ................................................................................. 86
Table 3.6.1: Trained teachers in Preprimary education ............................................................. 87
Table 3.6.2: Trained teaching staff in Primary education .......................................................... 88
Table 3.6.3: Trained teaching staff in Gen. and prof. Secondary education ................................. 88
Table 3.6.4: Trained teaching staff in TVET ............................................................................. 89
Table 3.6.5: Number of adult literacy instructors who received in service training. ...................... 89
Table 3.6.6: Pupil trained teacher ratio .................................................................................... 90
Table 3.6.7: Gender parity index in percentage of trained teacher .............................................. 90
Table 4.1.1: Use of ICT for teaching and learning ..................................................................... 91
Table 4.2.1: Smart classrooms in schools ............................................................................... 92
Table 4.2.2: Computer laboratories in schools ......................................................................... 92
Table 4.2.3: Number of secondary schools with science laboratories ........................................ 93
Table 4.2.4: Internet connectivity in schools ............................................................................ 94
Table 4.3.1: Science kits in schools ........................................................................................ 95
Table 4.3.2: projectors in schools ........................................................................................... 95
Table 4.3.3:smartboard in schools ......................................................................................... 96
Table 4.4.1: Total number of computers .................................................................................. 96
vii
Table 4.4.2: Computers for learners ........................................................................................ 97
Table 4.4.3: Computers for teaching/academic staff................................................................ 97
Table 4.4.4: Computers for administrative staff ....................................................................... 98
Table 4.4.5: Availability of computers to schools ..................................................................... 99
Table 5.1.1: Students books in preprimary schools by subject..................................................100
Table 5.1.2: Books in use by primary students by subject ........................................................100
Table 5.1.3: Pupil: book ratio in lower secondary students by subject .......................................101
Table 5.1.4: Students books in science combinations by Subject .............................................102
Table 5.1.5: Students books in humanities combinations by subject .........................................102
Table 5.1.6: Students books in Language’s combinations by subject ........................................103
Table 5.1.7: Students books in TTC’s combinations by subject .................................................104
Table 6.1.1: On grid electricity in schools ...............................................................................105
Table 6.2.1: Solar power in schools .......................................................................................106
Table 6.2.2: Electric power generator in schools .....................................................................107
Table 6.2.3: Biogas system in schools ...................................................................................107
Table 6.3.1: Tap water supply in schools. ...............................................................................108
Table 6.3.2: Safe drinking water in schools ............................................................................109
Table 6.3.3: Rainwater harvesting system in schools...............................................................109
Table 6.4.1: Availability of handwashing ................................................................................110
Table 6.4.2: availability of single sex toilets ...........................................................................110
Table 6.4.3: Toilets in Preprimary, Primary Secondary and TVET schools ..................................111
Table 7.1.1: Number of learners fed at schools .......................................................................112
Table 7.2.1: Number of schools providing meals to students ...................................................113
Table 7.2.2: Nutrition Garden in schools.................................................................................114
Table 7.2.3: Type of fuel used for cooking in schools in 2020/21 .............................................114
Table 8.1.1: Adapted infrastructure and materials for learners with disability ............................115
Table 8.1.2: Accessible toilets for people with disability ..........................................................116
Table 8.1.3: Availability of girls’ room ....................................................................................117
Table 8.2.1: Total schools Staff trained in special needs and inclusive education. .....................117
Table 8.2.2: Teaching staff trained in special needs and inclusive education .............................118
Table 8.3.1: Total number of learners with disability................................................................119
Table 8.3.2: School attendance rate for people aged 6-17 by disabilities status .........................120
Table 8.3.3: Total number of learners with disability by type ....................................................120
Table 8.3.4: Learners with disability in pre-primary and primary by type in 2021/22 ...................121
Table 8.3.5: Learners with disability in secondary and TVET by type in 2021/22 ........................121
Table 8.3.6: Learners with disability in Higher education and adult literacy by type in 2021/22 ...121
Table 8.4.1: Number of Refugee students by levels of education ..............................................122
Table 8.4.2: Number of Refugee students by school status ......................................................123
Table 8.5.1: Number of orphans learners by level of education.................................................124
Table 8.5.2: Number of orphan learners by schools’ status ......................................................124
Table 8.6.1: Learners in correctional centers ..........................................................................125
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LIST OF ANNEXES
ix
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
x
GLOSSARY
A qualified teacher is one who has the minimum Childhood Education (ECE) is a subcategory of
academic qualifications necessary to teach at a ECD.
particular level of education. In pre-primary and
primary, a qualified teacher should have at least Gender parity index: Ratio of female to male
advanced secondary certificate A2, for lower values of a given indicator.
secondary, they should possess at least
university diploma A1 while for upper secondary, Gross Enrolment Rate: Total number of students
they should have at least bachelor’s degree. enrolled in a specific level of education,
regardless of age, expressed as a percentage of
A trained teacher is one who has fulfilled at least the official school-age population
the minimum organized teacher-training corresponding to the same level of education in
requirements (pre-service or in-service) to teach a given school year.
at a specific level of education. In other words,
is a qualified teacher with pedagogical skills. Gross Intake Rate: Total number of new entrants
in the first/or last grade of a given cycle,
A Class is made up of students who follow a regardless of age, expressed as a percentage of
common course of study. This is exemplified by the population at the official school-age of being
the implementation of a double shift program in at that level.
primary education where a single classroom
accommodates two separates’ classes: one in Higher education: includes general higher
the morning and another in the afternoon. education and polytechnics.
Industrial based Training: The training entirely in
Classrooms in use: a room that accommodates the industry in support of in-company trainers.
students. At school there are also classrooms It’s also another form of workplace learning.
not in use which refer to constructed and
completed rooms ready to accommodate Massive Vocation Training: This is a school
students but not yet in use. based short-term training focusing mainly on
youth and women outside formal education
Drop-out Rate: Proportion of pupils from a system.
cohort enrolled in a given grade at a given
school year who are no longer enrolled in the National Examination pass rate is the proportion
following school year. of students passing national exam compared to
total number of students sat for the exam.
Early Childhood Development (ECD) looks at the
overall growth and progress of a child during the Net Enrolment Rate: Enrolment of the official
formative years, typically from the conception to age-group for a given cycle of education
6 years old. It includes physical, cognitive, expressed as a percentage of the corresponding
linguistic, emotional, and social development, population.
as well as the child's health and well-being. Early
xi
Net Intake Rate: The total number of new Recognition of Prior Learning: This process is
entrants in the first /or last grade of a given cycle used to evaluate or assess and certify
who are of the official school-entrance age, competencies or skills and knowledge acquired
expressed as a percentage of the population of outside formal education.
the same age.
Repetition Rate: The proportion of pupils
Number of students in Higher education per enrolled in a given grade and a given school year
100,000 inhabitants: Number of students who study in the same grade the following
enrolled in Higher education in a given academic school year.
year per 100,000 inhabitants. Upper secondary education: last three years and
includes general upper secondary for sciences,
Participation Rate: The number of people in humanities, and languages related combination;
selected age groups (regardless of the level of professional upper secondary for TTCs option,
education) participating in formal or non-formal Associate Nursing program and accounting, and
education or training expressed as a percentage TVET from L3 to L5.
of the population of the same age.
Transition Rate: The number of new entrants
Percentage of STEM students is the number of (repeaters excluded) in a given level of
students enrolled in STEM related subjects education as a percentage of the pupils who
expressed as a percentage of the total number were enrolled in the previous level of education
of students enrolled in Upper secondary or in the previous year.
Higher education.
Official school age is from 3 to 5 years old for
Promotion Rate: The number of pupils entering preprimary, from 6 to 11 years old for primary,
a given level of education as a percentage of the from 12 to 14 years old for lower secondary and
pupils who were enrolled in the previous year at from 15 to 17 years old for upper secondary.
previous level.
Over-age student for a grade is any student with
Pupil Classroom Ratio: Average number of two or more years of age above the
pupils per classroom at a specific level of corresponding age for the grade in which he or
education in a given school year. she is enrolled.
Pupil qualified/trained Teacher Ratio: The Out of school student is a student who is not
average number of pupils per qualified/trained enrolled in any form of education; it includes
teacher at a specific level of education in a given those who are no longer attending school and
school year. those who have never attended school.
xii
INTRODUCTION AND SCHOOL CENSUS METHODOLOGY
Education is one of the fundamental pillars of society, and it plays a crucial role in shaping the future
of individuals and nations. The quality of education has a direct impact on the economic, social, and
cultural development of a country. Education is not only a right but also a tool for empowerment and
social mobility. It is, therefore, essential to have a comprehensive statistical report to understand
the state of education, progress made, and challenges faced to inform decision making.
This report draws on statistical data for 2021/22 school year from six different sources:
− School Data Management System (SDMS) for data on Pre-primary, Primary, Secondary, and
TVET L1 to 5.
− Districts for compiling data from schools on formal ECED and adult literacy.
− Higher education institutions where data was directly collected from those institutions.
− Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) for education data on inmates
− Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) for data on TVET short courses
− National Child Development Agency (NCDA) for data on non-formal ECED
− National institute of statistics of Rwanda (NISR) for data on population where the current
result from the last population census held in 2022 were used for attendance rate with focus
on learners with disability.
Between January and March 2023, a series of data quality assessments to guide data cleaning
activities were done on SDMS while data collection period for other sources was February 2023.
Early in April 2023 a validation workshop at district level was held followed by a period of report
writing at National level completed in May 2023. It is important to note that the reference date for
the age of student is 31 March 2022.
The main changes observed in this report comes from the implementation of Law N° 010/2021 of
16/02/2021 determining the organisation of education, where the official school age was lowered by
one year, the official group age for pre-primary, primary, lower and upper secondary shifted from 4-6
years, 7-12 years, 13 -15 years and 16-18 years respectively to 3-5 years, 6-11 years, 12 -14 years and
15-17 years. To help the reader to understand what would happen without the change in the official
school age all indicators related to age where presented with both schools age range. The new law
also introduced a new program in upper secondary for associate nursing program, and Accounting
was shifted from TVET, to form a subcategory of professional upper secondary with Teacher training
colleges.
The report aims to provide policymakers, educators, and the general public with an in-depth
understanding of the education system, its strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
xiii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The 2021/22 Education Statistical Yearbook is significant as it coincides with the country's recovery
from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the establishment of a resilient
education system. The report primarily relies on data collected through the School Data Management
System (SDMS) at the school level. However, data from other sources has also been incorporated.
Notably, this is the first time that data from Home-based Early Childhood Development (ECDs)
centers, collected by the National Child Development Agency, has been included in the report.
Additionally, data on population is from the fifth Population and Housing Census carried out in 2022.
The report offers an extensive range of education data covering eight main areas: school
infrastructure, learners, school staff, ICT, Science and Technology, books and textbooks, energy,
water and sanitation, school nutrition, and special needs education. It presents relevant data for all
education levels and includes district-level information in the annexes. The report's objective is to
provide a thorough understanding of the education system, utilizing data from diverse sources to
support informed decision-making and policy formulation in the education sector.
School infrastructure: In 2021/22 there were 4,842 overall number of schools with pre-primary,
primary, secondary and TVET L1 to L5, levels that are collected through SDMS. It is crucial to note
that schools may offer multiple levels of education, which is why it is not appropriate to simply sum
up the number of schools based on each level.
The analysis per levels of education reveals that the number of schools have increased at all levels
of education between 2020/21 and 2021/22.
Schools with primary levels increased from 3,691 to 3,831, and a growth of 86 Schools with general
and professional secondary was observed going from 1869 to 1955. 85 schools with accounting that
used to be counted among TVET now shifted to professional upper secondary, with 7 schools with
associate nursing program and 16 Teacher Training centers. At TVET Level, there has been a
significant growth in the number of schools from 344 schools in 2020/21 to 422 schools in 2021/22.
This year, the education sector has 31 General Higher Education Institutions and 5,076 adult literacy
centers.
In relation to the classroom in use, Data shows an increase of 1,496 classrooms between 2020/21
and 2021/22, from 76,133 to 77,629. At pre-primary, there are on average 41 pupils per classroom,
60 pupils per classroom at primary level and this shows that the country has not yet achieved the
recommended learner to classroom ratio (46:1), which is still being encompassed using double shift
mainly in lower primary. At secondary level, the students per classroom ratio remains at 37 while at
xiv
TVET level, the trainees per classroom ratio improved from 27 to 25, achieving the recommended
trainee’s classroom ratio (25:1).
There are different sport facilities available in Rwandan schools. This includes playgrounds,
volleyball, football, and basketball courts as well as gymnasiums. Data on sport facilities in primary
and secondary schools indicates that 55% of schools have a football playground, 43.8% of the
schools have a volleyball playground, 15.3% of the schools have basketball playground and only 0.3%
of the schools have a gymnasium playground.
Learners: The 2021/22 school year recorded a total number of 4,159,782 learners in all levels, which
represents 31.4% of 13,246,394 total Rwandan population. The proportion of female is slightly higher
(50.7%) than that of male (49.3%). Government subsidized schools have the highest number of
students, 52.2% of the total students.
At pre-primary level the number of learners increased from 293,823 in 2020/21 to 355,325 in
2021/22. The number of boys is equal to the number of girls. The enrolment of primary school
learners increased from 2,729,116 in 2020/21 to 2,742,551 in 2021/22 standing for an increase of
0.4%. The number of male learners is higher than that of Female learners at this level of education.
Students enrolled in lower secondary education in 2021/22 is 540,634 up from 521,632 in 2020/21,
standing for an increase of 3.6 percent points. Female students accounted for 54.5% compared to
their male counterparts with 45.5%. Enrolment data in TVET shows that a total of 83,458 students
were enrolled in TVET. Unlike previous years, this number does not include students who are enrolled
in accounting. As always, female enrolment remained low (41.7%) compared to male (58.3%) in TVET
institutions. Higher Education Institutions enrolled a total of 95,863 students during the 2021/22
academic year, thereby making an increase of 8.4% (7,415) from the previous academic year which
had an enrolment of 88,448 students. The enrolment of students in polytechnic institutions from
13,172 in 2020/21 to 13,393 in 2021/22 and a significant difference between males and females.
More males continued to be enrolled in polytechnic institutions (74.4%) than females (25.6%).
Regarding the Gross and Net enrolment rates, the national average data indicates a decrease in both
GER and NER. The Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) experienced a slight decline from 74.5% in 2020/21
to 72.4% in 2021/22. Similarly, the Net Enrolment Rate (NER) decreased from 53.1% in 2020/21 to
45.6% in 2021/22. The observed deviation from the normal trend can be attributed to several factors,
which include: the changes in the official school age which was lowered for one year, the use of more
recent population data, rather than relying solely on population projections, and the extended closure
of schools as a preventive measure to curb the spread of COVID-19 resulted in a one-year delay for
all students, which impacted the net enrolment rates for all levels.
xv
Data shows that at Pre-primary, primary, lower and upper secondary, there was gender disparity in
favour of Female, while in TVET and Higher Education there was gender disparity in favour of male.
On promotion, repetition and dropout rates, data indicates a decrease in promotion rate from 82.3%
to 77.0%. The repetition rate increased from 8.3% to 14.3%. The disruptions to learning and learning
loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could explain drops in academic achievements of students
that lead to high repetition rate and low promotion rate. The dropout rate went down from 9.4% to
8.6%. The government interventions to curb the issue of dropout, like the school feeding programs,
are bearing fruits. Transition rates from primary to lower secondary schools in Rwanda stood at an
average of 66.8% between 2019/20 and 2020/21.
School Staff: Between 2020/21 and 2021/22, the total number of school staff increased from
121,145 to 125,621, indicating a growth of 4,476. This figure includes both teaching or academic
staff and administrative staff. However, it's important to note that adult literacy have teaching staff
only, referred to as instructors in this report. The gender distribution among staff members remained
consistent, with males representing 50.7% (65,691) and females representing 49.3% (63,925) of the
total staff. The most substantial increase in total school staff was observed in public schools, while
private schools experienced a decrease in staff numbers. This decrease can be attributed to a
corresponding decrease in the number of private schools during the same period.
The data on staff per level of education shows that between 2020/21 and 2021/22 Preprimary
witnessed a slight decrease of -410 staff, dropping from 9,312 to 8,902. Primary schools saw an
increase of 2,979 staff with a rise from 63,580 to 66,559 staff. There is a growth of 1,433 staff in
General and Professional secondary schools, increasing from 30,566 to 31,999.
TVET L1_L5 showed a small increase in the number of school staff, going from 5,720 in 2020/21 to
5,828 in 2021/22, resulting in a difference of 108. In the same period Polytechnics experienced a
slight decrease of 7 staff, dropping from 1,499 to 1,492. General higher education institutions
witnessed growth of 192 staff members, with an increase from 4,566 to 4,758. The number of staff
Adult Literacy instructors increased by 181, going from 5,902 to 6,083 instructors.
ICT, Science and Technology: One of the lessons learned from the pandemic is the significance of
ICT in facilitating remote learning and teaching. This section demonstrates the government's
commitment to promoting ICT in education, as evidenced by the increase in the percentage of
schools using ICT for teaching and learning from 37.5% in 2020/21 to 47.2% in 2021/22. Additionally,
internet connectivity has also seen improvement, rising from 40.7% to 56.7% during the same period.
Notably, there has been an increase of 77,762 computers, with 72,755 computers allocated for
students. Consequently, the number of students per computer has decreased from 11 students in
2020/21 to 9 students in 2021/22.
Books and Textbooks: Both printed and digitalized books are utilized in Rwandan schools, depending
on various factors such as the level of education, learning environment, infrastructure, and
xvi
pedagogical approach. However, the focus of this publication is primarily on printed books. This
report presents detailed information on the availability of student books in schools, categorized by
level and subject, along with their corresponding ratios. These ratios range from one student per
textbook to 14 students sharing a single textbook. The government and education stakeholders have
made significant investments in providing books for primary education, where the ratio stands at 1:1
for Kinyarwanda, English, and Mathematics. Conversely, Pre-primary education exhibits the highest
ratio of 14:1, which can be attributed to the fact that children at this early age primarily learn through
play before engaging in more intensive reading activities.
Energy, water and sanitation: The total number of schools with access to on-grid electricity increased
from 3,819 to 3,916. This represents approximately 80.9% of all schools. It should be noted that 926
schools were identified as not having access to on-grid electricity. The number of schools with tap
water supply increased from 3,419 to 3,950. This means that approximately 81.6% of schools now
have access to tap water. However, it is worth mentioning that 892 schools still do not have tap water
supply. These schools rely on alternative methods for water supply, such as fetching water from
other sources or utilizing rainwater harvesting systems.
The total number of toilets in schools increased from 150,676 to 154,235. The average pupil-to-toilet
ratio stands at 26 students in pre-primary, primary, secondary and TVET levels. As for staff toilets,
the ratio remains the same for both categories, with an average of 8 staff members per toilet.
These statistics provide an overview of the progress and challenges in ensuring access to essential
services such as electricity, water supply, and sanitation facilities in schools. Efforts have been made
to increase the number of schools with on-grid electricity and tap water supply. However, there is
still a need to address the gap and ensure that the remaining schools without access to these
amenities are facilitated and to continue improving toilet facilities to meet the recommended ratios
of 25-30 students per toilet.
School nutrition: The government recognizes the effectiveness of school feeding programs in
addressing child nutrition and improving educational outcomes. These programs play a crucial role
in increasing enrolment, retention, and performance of students. The commitment to scale up the
school feeding program to all education levels has resulted in a remarkable increase, with student
feed at school rising from 23.0% in 2020/21 to 86.3% in 2021/22. The percentage of schools
providing meals to students also witnessed significant growth, increasing from 60.1% to 82.2%
during the same period. While there has been notable progress, further investment in the school
feeding program is needed to sustain and enhance its impact.
Special need education: Recognizing the significance of inclusive education, efforts have been made
to prioritize accessible infrastructure in school construction guidelines. As a result, the percentage
of schools equipped with adapted facilities for learners with disabilities has increased from 41.1%
xvii
in 2020/21 to 68.2% in 2021/22. Additionally, the number of staff members trained in special needs
education has risen from 12,501 to 16,551 during the same period.
In the 2021/22 academic year, there were 38,899 students with disabilities enrolled in schools. The
latest population census revealed a net attendance rate of 65.3% for students with disabilities,
highlighting the ongoing efforts to promote their inclusion in the education system. Furthermore, the
statistics demonstrate that there are 39,329 refugee students, 180,766 orphaned students, and
11,309 students learning in correctional centers. These groups require specialized attention and
tailored support, for physical, material, and emotional aspects.
Addressing the unique needs of students with disabilities, refugees, orphans, and those in
correctional centers remains a priority to ensure their holistic development and inclusive educational
experience.
xviii
GENERAL OVERVIEW
1
Caution should be taken for not summing up number of schools in this table, because one school can have different
levels.
1
Overview 3: Number of learners
Levels of education 2020/21 2021/22
Preprimary 293,823 355,325
Primary 2,729,116 2,742,901
Lower Secondary 521,631 540,671
Upper secondary 244,680 259,822
General upper secondary 161,273 168,595
Sciences 92,405 99,630
Humanities 35,177 32,671
Languages 33,691 36,294
Professional upper secondary 20,508 21,065
TTC 10,721 11,565
Nursing 209
Accounting 9,787 9,291
TVET L3_L5 62,899 70,162
Higher education 88,448 95,863
Polytechnics 13,172 13,393
General higher education 75,276 82,470
TVET L1_L2 16,535 13,296
TVET short courses 8,561 35,876
Adult Literacy 127,054 116,028
Total learners in Rwanda 4,029,848 4,159,782
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
2
1. SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE
There is strong evidence that quality infrastructure facilitates better instruction, improves student
outcomes, and reduces dropout rates, among other benefits. This section provides statistics on
schools' infrastructure. It shows the number of schools, the number of classrooms, desks, and
classes. Further, it indicates the number of available desks, materials, and sport facilities in schools.
Table 1.1.1 shows an increase between 2020/21 and 2021/22 in the number of schools for all levels,
except polytechnics that remains 8. The overall number of 4,842 schools with preprimary, primary,
secondary and TVET schools reflect the number of schools in SDMS where a school is counted once
regardless of levels within it.
Schools with pre-primary levels increased from 3,741 to 3,808. Schools with primary level increased
from 3,691 in 2020/21 to 3,831 in 2021/22. Schools with general and professional secondary levels
increased from 1,869 to 1,958. There is an increase of 78 TVET schools, which increased from 344
to 422. The increase of one General higher education was due to the reopening of Institut Supérieur
Pédagogique de Gitwe after complying with recommendations from different assessments
conducted to ensure its readiness to re-open after Covid-19 pandemic. Adult literacy increased from
4,953 to 5,076 centers.
2
Preprimary, Primary, secondary and TVET L1 to L5 schools
3
Table 1.1.2: Number of preprimary, primary, secondary and TVET L1-L5 schools
Settings 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total schools 4,719 4,571 4,706 5,144 4,842
Preprimary 1,031 1,037 1,102 828 387
Preprimary + Primary 1,315 1,361 1,410 1,692 2,020
Preprimary + Lower Secondary 1
Preprimary + Primary + Lower Secondary 443 454 486 712 733
Preprimary + Primary + Gen. and Prof. Upper Secondary 1
Preprimary + Primary + TVET 2
Preprimary + Lower + Gen. and Prof. Upper Secondary 4
Preprimary + Primary + Lower Secondary + TVET 29
Preprimary + Primary + Lower + Gen. and Prof. Upper
397 358 403 509 584
Secondary
Preprimary + Primary + Lower+ Gen. and Prof. Upper
47
Secondary + TVET
Primary 470 439 434 447 243
Primary + Lower Secondary 149 161 108 196 91
Primary + TVET 1
Primary + Lower + Gen. and Prof. Upper Secondary 91 134 118 132 75
Primary + Lower Secondary + TVET 2
Primary + Lower + Gen. and Prof. Upper Secondary +
12 2 2 3 3
TVET
Lower Secondary 33 24 21 20 11
Lower + Gen. and Prof. Upper Secondary 218 225 266 240 247
Lower Secondary + TVET 14
Lower + Gen. and Prof. Upper Secondary + TVET 37 30 21 33 32
Gen. and Prof. Upper Secondary 187 28 27 24 23
Gen. and Prof. Upper Secondary + TVET 58
TVET 336 318 308 308 234
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 1.1.2 focus on the information collected through School data management system (SDMS) for
preprimary, primary, secondary and TVET L1-L5. The decrease in number of schools from 5,144 in
2020/21 to 4,842 in 2021/22 is due to the fact that some Preprimary schools were operating in the
same compound together with either primary or secondary schools. But they were managed as
independent schools and therefore counted as separate schools. In the year 2021/22, many of these
preprimary schools were not counted as separate schools, they were counted together with the
primary or secondary schools they are attached to.
It is important to highlight that: (1) Gen. and Prof. Upper Secondary + TVET setting refer to TVET and
accounting, that used to be TVET when accounting was part of TVET (2) in professional upper
secondary; associate nursing program was opened in seven schools that used to have general
secondary. (3) The number of TVET level in the same premises with general education schools is
increasing.
4
Table 1.1.3: School settings with preprimary level
Indicator/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total number of schools with Preprimary level 3,186 3,210 3,401 3,741 3,808
Standalone preprimary 1,031 1,037 1,102 828 387
Preprimary attached to another level 2,155 2,173 2,299 2,913 3,421
% of standalone preprimary 32.4% 32.3% 32.4% 22.1% 10.2%
% of preprimary attached to another level 67.6% 67.7% 67.6% 77.9% 89.8%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 1.1.3. indicates that the number of preprimary schools that are attached to schools with higher
levels is increasing while the standalone preprimary schools are decreasing. Data shows a
considerable decrease of standalone preprimary schools from 828 schools in 2020/21 to 387
schools in 2021/22 and an increase in Preprimary schools that are attached to a higher level from
2,913 schools in 2020/21 to 3,421 schools in 2021/22. This shift could be attributed to the
government program of schools' constructions, the payment of preprimary teachers, and scaling up
of the school feeding program to preprimary and primary schools.
Table 1.1.4 indicates that schools with primary level increased from 3,691 in 2020/21 to 3,831 in
2021/22. Data shows a trend towards primary schools being expanded on levels rather than having
one level. The percentage of schools with only primary level decreased from 16.3% in 2017 to 6.3%
in 2021/22, while the percentage of primary schools expanded on levels increased from 83.7% in
2017 to 93.7% in 2021/22. This means that 344 schools which had only primary level introduced new
levels of education.
5
The 1.1.5 indicates an increase in the number of schools with general and professional secondary
level from 1869 schools in 2020/21 to 1,955 schools in 2021/22. Data shows a trend towards
secondary schools being expanded to levels rather than having one level. The number of standalone
secondary schools decreased from 284 schools in 2020/21 to 281 in 2021/22, while the number of
secondary schools expanded on levels increased from 1,585 in 2020/21 to 1681 in 2021/22. This
means that 96 schools which had only secondary level introduced new levels of education.
Table 1.1.6 illustrates the number of schools with TVET L1- L5. Data shows an increase in the number
of schools with TVET Level from 344 schools to 422 schools in 2020/21. Data indicates that 234
(55.5%) of TVET L1-L5 schools have only TVET level while 188(44.5%) of TVET L1-L5 have introduced
new levels (preprimary, primary or secondary levels. TVET L1-L5 Schools that introduced new levels
increased significantly from 36 schools in 2020/21 to 188 schools in 2021/22 while those that are
standalone reduced from 308 schools in 2020/21 to 234 schools in 2021/22. Creation of TVET wings
could explain the increase in the number of TVET L1-L5 with more than one level.
Table 1.2.1 shows that the number of schools with pre-primary level increased from 3,741 in 2020/21
to 3,808 in 2021/22. The number of private pre-primary schools decreased from 1,026 in 2020/21 to
929 in 2021/22 while an increase in both public and government-subsidized schools is observed
during the same period. Some private schools closed completely after COVID-19 pandemic which
could explain the decrease in the number of private schools. The average pupils per preprimary
6
schools stands at 93 in 2021/22 up from 79 pupils in 2020/21. This demonstrates the need for more
preprimary schools.
Table 1.2.2 shows that there were 3,831 registered primary schools’ country-wide in 2021/22 of
which 1,316 were primary public-owned schools, 1,897 were primary government-subsidized, and
618 were privately owned schools. There has been an increase of 3.7 percent in the number of
primary schools from 3,691 in 2021/22 to 3,831 in 2021/22. There was a slight increase in the
number of public and government-subsidized owned primary schools, but a high increase was
recorded in the number of privately owned primary schools from 497 to 618 between 2020/21 and
2020/21. On average, a primary school accommodates 716 learners with private schools
accommodating fewer learners than public and government subsidized schools.
Table 1.2.3: Number of schools with gen. and prof. secondary level, by school’ status
School year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total 1,567 1,416 1,452 1,869 1,955
Public 461 437 456 699 712
Government-subsidized 871 849 867 1,041 1,069
Private 235 130 129 129 174
Average students per school 339 409 447 371 373
Public 378 436 474 356 368
Government-subsidized 368 415 457 388 395
Private 155 279 286 314 257
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 1.2.3 shows that there were 1,955 registered secondary schools’ country-wide in 2021/22 of
which 712 were public-owned schools, 1,069 were government-subsidized, and 174 were privately
owned schools. There has been an increase in the number of secondary schools from 1869 in
7
2021/22 to 1955 in 2021/22. On average, a secondary school accommodates 373 students with
private schools accommodating fewer students than public and government subsidized schools.
Table 1.2.4 shows an increase in the number of TVET schools, from 344 in 2020/21 to 422 in
2022/22. However, in the same period a decrease of 14 schools was recorded in the number of
privately owned TVET schools. In fact, the Ministry of Education introduced the school feeding
program and school fees harmonization in both public and government-aided schools, making them
more attractive to parents. Some private TVET schools shifted from being private to government
subsidized. The average number of TVET students per school is 166; 185; and 257 respectively for
the public, government-subsidized and private schools.
Table 1.2.5 indicates an increase in the number of higher education institutions from 38 Higher
education institutions in 2020/21 to 39 HEIs in 2021/22. One private General Higher Education
Institution reopened after meeting the requirements.
8
Table 1.2.6: Number of adult literacy centers
Indicators / Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Centers 5,160 4,991 5,194 4,953 5,076
Public 1,447 1,418 1,389 1,844 2,080
Private 1,214 815 1046 447 252
Government-subsidized 2,499 2,758 2,759 2,662 2,744
Percentage 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Public 28.0% 28.4% 26.7% 37.2% 41.0%
Private 23.5% 16.3% 20.1% 9.0% 5.0%
Government-subsidized 48.4% 55.3% 53.1% 53.7% 54.1%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 1.2.6 illustrates the number of adult literacy centres. Data indicates that the number of adult
literacy centers increased from 4,953 centers in 2020/21 to 5,076 centers in 2021/22. While there
has been an increase in the number of public and government subsidized adult literacy centers, a
decrease is observed in the number of private adult literacy centers.
13.9% Government
0.7% 6.1% 32.2%
1.8% Catholic
Protestant
16.6%
Adventist
Islamic
28.8%
Parents associations/Teacher
Individuals/NGOs
Figure 1.1 presents data on school ownership, showcasing the involvement of different stakeholders
within the education system. Out of a total of 4,842 schools, government-owned schools account for
32.2%, with 1,559 establishments. Catholic-affiliated schools make up 28.8%, representing 1,393
schools, while Protestant schools comprise 16.6% with 803 institutions. The dataset also includes
85 Adventist schools (1.8%), 36 Islamic schools (0.7%), and 294 schools owned by parents’
associations or teachers (6.1%). Individuals and NGOs own 672 schools, constituting 13.9% of the
total. This breakdown highlights the significant presence of government and religiously affiliated
9
schools, alongside contributions from parents’ associations, teachers, and private entities, resulting
in a diverse landscape of educational institutions.
Table 1.3.1: Number of schools with preprimary level by owner
School by Owner/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total number of schools 3,186 3,210 3,401 3,741 3,808
Government 468 459 506 1,069 1,136
Catholic 781 812 840 945 1,126
Protestant 685 732 799 765 665
Adventist 50 76 59 62 66
Islamic 19 28 28 21 26
Parents associations 929 838 854 470 227
Individuals/NGOs 254 265 315 409 562
Percentage of schools by owner 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Government 14.7% 14.3% 14.9% 28.6% 29.8%
Catholic 24.5% 25.3% 24.7% 25.3% 29.6%
Protestant 21.5% 22.8% 23.5% 20.4% 17.5%
Adventist 1.6% 2.4% 1.7% 1.7% 1.7%
Islamic 0.6% 0.9% 0.8% 0.6% 0.7%
Parents associations 29.2% 26.1% 25.1% 12.6% 6.0%
Individuals/NGOs 8.0% 8.3% 9.3% 10.9% 14.8%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 1.3.1 shows that there was an increase of the Pre-primary schools from 3,741 in 2020/21 to
3,808 in 2021/22. Government pre-primary schools constitutes 29.8 percent of all pre-primary
schools in the country, while Catholic and Protestant schools constitute 29.6 and 17.5% respectively.
Individuals/NGOs account for 14.8 % of total schools. Islamic has the least number of pre-primary
schools with 0.7%.
10
Table 1.3.2: Number of schools with primary level by owner
School by Owner 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total schools 2,877 2,909 2,961 3,691 3,831
Government 726 736 759 1304 1319
Catholic 1,152 1,153 1,168 1,219 1,206
Protestant 647 648 653 716 676
Adventist 57 57 55 68 70
Islamic 19 21 20 16 20
Parents associations 137 137 137 128 147
Individuals/NGOs 139 157 169 240 393
Percentage 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Government 25.2% 25.3% 25.6% 35.3% 34.4%
Catholic 40.0% 39.6% 39.4% 33.0% 31.5%
Protestant 22.5% 22.3% 22.1% 19.4% 17.6%
Adventist 2.0% 2.0% 1.9% 1.8% 1.8%
Islamic 0.7% 0.7% 0.7% 0.4% 0.5%
Parents associations 4.8% 4.7% 4.6% 3.5% 3.8%
Individuals/NGOs 4.8% 5.4% 5.7% 6.5% 10.3%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Data on the number of primary schools by owner shows that government and the catholic church
owns 34.4% of the schools and 31.5% of the schools respectively. Protestant and NGOs own 17.5%
and 10.3% of the schools respectively.
11
Data indicates that Government and catholic church owns most of the secondary schools,
government own 36.6% of the schools while catholic church own 38.0% of the schools. Protestant
and NGOs own 16.1% and 4.2% of the schools respectively.
Data indicates that Government and catholic church owns most of TVET schools, government own
36.0 % of the schools while catholic church own 22.0% of the schools. Another considerable share
is owned by individuals/ NGOs and parents' associations, 14.7% and 12.3% respectively.
Table 1.3.5 above indicates that a considerable share of adult literacy centers is owned by churches,
owning 49.1% of the total adult literacy centers. Government owns 47.4% of the total adult literacy
centers while NGOs/ project owns the least.
12
1.4 Classrooms in use and classes in school
Table 1.4.1 shows the total number of classrooms in use and by school status. Data shows an
increase of 1,496 classrooms between 2020/21 and 2021/22. Increase of the classrooms is seen in
all categories of the schools with the highest increase in government subsidized schools.
Table 1.4.2 presents the number of classrooms and pupil to classroom ratio in preprimary. The total
number of classrooms in preprimary schools recorded in 2021/22 is 8,358, an increase of 944
classrooms from 2020/21. On average, there are 41 pupils per class at the preprimary school level.
Based on this data, the country has not realized the recommended learner to classroom ratio (30:1).
There exist disparities in class sizes across school status with public schools recording a high ratio.
This shows a need to build more classrooms for preprimary education.
13
Table 1.4.3: Number of primary classrooms in use by school status
School status 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total classrooms 31,927 32,548 34,468 46,604 46,010
Public 9,073 9,287 9,884 16,834 16,743
Government-subsidized 19,849 20,072 21,205 25,557 24,788
Private 3,005 3,189 3,379 4,213 4,479
Average Pupil per Classroom 80 77 73 59 60
Public 88 85 82 63 66
Government-subsidized 83 80 75 60 61
Private 32 32 32 32 31
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 1.4.3 presents the number of classrooms and pupil to classroom ratio in the primary. The total
number of classrooms in primary schools recorded in 2021/22 is 46010, a decrease of 594
classrooms from 2020/21. This decrease can be attributed to the increasing number of leaners in
preprimary where primary classrooms are being used for preprimary learners. On average, there are
68 pupils per class at the primary school level and this shows that the country has not yet achieved
the recommended learner to classroom ratio (46:1) . Disparities are seen in class sizes across school
status with public schools and government subsidized schools recording a high rate of classroom
pupil ratio. This implies that more classrooms are still needed to reduce the number of classrooms
pupil ratio in primary schools.
Table 1.4.4 presents the number of primary school classes by school status. The total number of
classes in primary schools decreased from 67,166 classes in 2020/21 to 61,109 classes in 2021/21.
This shows efforts in the phasing out of the double shift system in primary education. The average
pupil per class increased from 41 in 2020/21 to 42 in 2021/22. This could be explained by the
increased number of pupils enrolled in primary schools.
14
Table 1.4.5: Number of primary classrooms in use per grade
Grade 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Number of classrooms 31,927 32,548 34,468 46,604 46,010
P1 5,975 5,825 5,537 10,028 8,912
P2 6,033 5,488 5,399 6,433 8,677
P3 5,646 5,373 5,051 6,128 6,519
P4 5,119 5,212 5,077 8,431 7,529
P5 4,662 4,884 7,112 8,655 7,892
P6 4,492 5,766 6,292 6,929 6,481
Average number of Pupils per classroom 80 77 73 59 60
P1 83 89 89 78 78
P2 88 84 86 70 73
P3 85 84 85 70 64
P4 82 82 83 48 53
P5 79 78 56 46 48
P6 54 45 48 42 35
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 1.4.5 shows a decrease in the number of classrooms in primary one. This could be explained
by the decrease in the number of enrolment of pupils in primary one compared to the year 2020/21
when a double intake of pupils was registered in primary one. Classrooms in use have increased in
primary 2 due to the promotion of double intake of primary one. The average number of pupils per
classroom is above 46:1 in all classes expect in primary 6.
The number of classrooms has increased in public, government subsidized and private schools. On
average, the students per classroom ratio remains at 37 in 2020/21. Private schools have the lowest
ratio of 28:1; while Public stands at 37 and government subsidized at 38:1.
15
Table 1.4.7: Number of gen. and prof. secondary classrooms per grade
Grade 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Number of classrooms 14,067 15,367 15,825 18,895 19,965
S1 3,673 3,861 3,862 5,168 4,885
S2 3,075 3,171 3,371 4,263 4,458
S3 2,618 2,549 2,718 3,225 3,440
S4 1,639 1,974 2,003 2,264 2,735
S5 1,548 1,932 1,958 2,012 2,337
S6 1,514 1,880 1,913 1,963 2,110
Average students per Classroom 38 38 41 37 37
S1 42 48 51 42 46
S2 41 43 49 41 43
S3 38 39 44 40 36
S4 34 31 31 29 27
S5 31 27 29 27 27
S6 29 24 26 26 26
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
The student-to-classroom ratio varies across different grade levels. Generally, the ratio decreases as
students progress to higher grades. In particular, S1 (the first year of secondary education) have the
highest ratio, while S6 (the final year of secondary education) has the lowest ratio. Comparing the
ratios between the academic years 2020/21 and 2021/22, there was an increase in the ratio for S1
and S2, while the ratio decreased for the other grades.
The number of classrooms has increased in TVET from 3,220 in 2020/21 to 3,841 in 2021/22, an
increase of 76 classrooms. A high increase is seen in public and government subsidized schools,
which demonstrates efforts by the government to provide equal access to TVET schools. On average,
the trainees per classroom ratio improved from 27 in 2020/21 to 22 in 2021/22, achieving the
recommended trainee’s classroom ratio (25:1). Private schools have the highest classroom trainee
ratio.
16
Table 1.4.9: Number of TVET’ classrooms per level
level 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Number of classrooms 3,014 2,846 2,860 3,220 3,296
Level 1 456 394 470 587 515
Level 2 101 30 17 29 21
Level 3 1,021 1,040 929 1,047 1,270
Level 4 778 728 784 796 816
Level 5 658 654 660 761 674
Trainees per Classroom 26 28 28 27 25
Level 1 25 22 24 25 25
Level 2 21 20 20 16 25
Level 3 24 28 28 29 22
Level 4 26 28 29 26 30
Level 5 33 32 28 28 27
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
General the number of trainees per classroom are below the standards of 25:1, except for level 4 and
level 5 where one classroom is accommodating 30 and 27 trainees per classroom.
In general, Table 1.5.1 shows that the number of desks increased from 1,468,098 desks in 2020/21
to 1,835,956 desks in 2021/22. This indicates an increase of 367,858 school desks from 2020/21. A
high increase in school desks is observed in Government-subsidized schools from 738,765 desks in
2020/21 to 932,513 desks in 2021/22. This demonstrates an effort by the Government of Rwanda to
reduce the number of pupils per desk and improve the learning environment.
17
Table 1.5.2: Number of Preprimary desks, by schools’ status
Schools’ status 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total desks 86,607 103,993 119,279 174,905 195,061
In Public schools 11,763 13,780 15,565 40,357 50,544
In Government-subsidized schools 31,513 37,802 39,551 59,304 72,136
In Private schools 43,331 52,411 64,163 75,244 72,381
Average pupils per desk 3 2 2 2 2
In Public schools 3 2 3 2 2
In Government-subsidized schools 3 3 3 2 2
In Private schools 2 2 2 1 1
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 1.5.2 shows the number of desks in pre-primary schools. The total number of desks in pre-
primary schools increased from 174,905 in 2020/21 to 195,061 in 2021/22. This represents an
increase of 20,156 desks. Growth is observed in public and government subsidized schools. This
indicates government efforts in improving the learning environment for preprimary learners.
However, a decrease in the number of desks is observed in private preprimary from 75,244 in 2020/21
to 72,381 in 2021/22. Data on the average pupil per desk indicates that the average pupil per desk
has remained 2 from 2020/21 to 2021/22 in public and government subsidized schools. The average
pupil per desk has remained 1 in private preprimary schools.
Table 1.5.3 shows the number of desks in primary schools. The total number of desks in primary
schools increased from 876,638 in 2020/21 to 1,184,099 in 2021/22. This represents an increase of
307,461 desks. An increase is observed in all categories of schools. Data on the average pupil per
desk shows an improvement from 3 pupil per desk in 2020/21 to 2 pupil per desk in 2021/22. Based
on this data, the country seems to have realized the recommended average pupil per desk in primary
schools.
18
Table 1.5.4: Number of gen. and prof. secondary desks
Status 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total desks 266,651 272,285 289,342 371,751 376,958
Public 81,253 87,023 89,849 127,667 130,961
Government-subsidized 144,423 146,608 151,054 187,133 212,040
Private 40,975 38,654 48,439 56,951 33,957
Average Pupils per desk 2 2 3 2 2
Public 2 2 3 2 2
Government-subsidized 2 2 3 2 2
Private 2 2 2 2 2
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 1.5.4 shows that the total number of schools desks in the general and professional secondary
was 376,958 in 2021/22. This indicates an increase of 5,207 school desks from 2020/21. There is,
however, a reduction in school desks in private schools from 56,951 in 202/21 to 33,957 desks in
2021/22. This can be explained by the improvement in public schools which attracted more students
to public schools. From 2020/21, the average number of pupils per desk have remained the same (2
pupil per desk) for both public and private general and secondary schools.
Data on desks in TVET for level I to 5 shows an increase from 56,053 desks in 2020/21 to 79,838
desks in 2021/22. This represents an increase of 23,785 desks in TVET level I to 5. An increase in
the number of desks is observed in all categories of schools. Table 1.5.5. shows an improvement in
trainees per desk from 2 trainees per desk in 2020/21 to 1 trainee per desk in 2021/22.
19
Table 1.5.6: Number of Adult literacy desks
Indicators / Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Number of desks 35,183 35,261 40,778 44,804 44,536
Public 7,760 8,576 10,640 13,190 15,212
Government-subsidized 19,489 21,715 22,287 25,827 25,877
Private 7,934 4,970 7,851 5,787 3,447
Learners per desk 4 4 3 3 3
Public 6 4 4 4 4
Government-subsidized 4 3 3 2 2
Private 4 4 3 2 2
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Data on desks in adult literacy centers shows a decrease in the number of desks from 44,804 desks
in 2020/21 to 44,546 desks in 2021/22. This represents a decrease of 268 desks in adult literacy
centers. A decrease in the number of desks is observed in private centers. Learners per desk
remained the same. Three learners share a desk in the adult literacy centers.
20
Table 1.6.1 indicates the availability of games and materials in pre- primary level. Data shows that
learners in preprimary schools have access to a variety of materials. However, a large number of
schools have no materials which highlights the need to provide materials in preprimary schools.
Data on sport facilities in primary and secondary schools indicates that 55% schools have football
playground, 43.8% of the schools have volleyball playground, 15.3% of the schools have basketball
playground and only 0.3% of the schools have gymnasium playground. Data demonstrates the need
to provide sport facilities in all schools with more focus on with TVET L1-L5 level as this category
of school lags behind.
21
2. LEARNERS
The 2021/22 school year recorded a total number of 4,159,782 learners enrolled in pre-primary,
primary, secondary, TVET L1-L5, higher education, TVET short courses and adult literacy, which
represents 31.4% of 13,246,394 total Rwandan population in 2022. The proportion of female is higher
(50.7%) than that of male (49.3%) and Primary education have the highest number of 2,742,901
pupils, which represent 65.9% of total number.
9.6%
38.2%
Public
Government-subsidized
52.2%
Private
Government subsidized schools have the highest number of students, 52.2% of the total students,
followed by public schools with 38.2% of the total students while Private schools accommodate 9.6%
of the total students.
22
Table 2.1.2: Number of children in Early Childhood Developments (ECDs)
Indicator/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total children in ECDs 225,669 233,197 289,118 297,021 1,033,011
Male 110,978 115,243 142,201 144,646 496,439
Female 114,691 117,954 146,917 152,375 536,572
% of Male 49.2% 49.4% 49.2% 48.7% 48.1%
% of Female 50.8% 50.6% 50.8% 51.3% 51.9%
Total children in ECED centers 5,234 6,491 6,690 3,198 677,686
Male 2,516 3,199 3,290 1,586 318,916
Female 2,718 3,292 3,400 1,612 358,770
ECED children in Formal centers 5,234 6,491 6,690 3,198 25,056
Male 2516 3,199 3,290 1,586 11,784
Female 2718 3,292 3,400 1,612 13,272
ECED children in non-formal centers* 652,630
Male 307,132
Female 345,498
Total pupils in Preprimary level 220,435 226,706 282,428 293,823 355,325
Male 108,462 112,044 138,911 143,060 177,523
Female 111,973 114,662 143,517 150,763 177,802
Source: School census, Ministry of Education, * ECDs census, National Child Development Agency
Table 2.1.2 illustrates that children in ECDs increased considerably from 297,021 children in 2020/21
to 1,033,011 children in 202/21, representing an increase of 735,990. Mainly because of the inclusion
of data from the ECDs census where 677,686 are registered in ECED with 652,630 in non-formal ECED
centres and 25,056 in formal ECDs. Data from the school census shows that 355,325 pupils are
enrolled in preprimary level. The following figure shows the type of ECD center where those children
are.
0.1%
Home Based
27.6%
Community Based
Center Based
23
Figure 2.2 provides the proportion of children in different types of Early Childhood Development
(ECD). The majority of children, 58.8% of the total, are enrolled in home-based ECD centers, with a
total of 606,937 children. Community-based centers account for 10.1% of the children, with 104,084
enrolled. Center-based ECDs have 35,811 children (3.5%), while school-based centers have the
largest share, with 27.6% of the children and a total of 284,998 enrolled. Workplace-based centers
and creche centers have a minimal presence, with 1,1181 children, representing 0.1% of the total.
The enrollment data in table 2.1.3 shows an increase of pupils in preprimary level from 293,823 in
2020/21 to 355,325 in 2021/22. The number of male is equal to the number of Female. A high share
of pupils in preprimary is recorded in government subsidized schools, 168,846 (about 47.5%)
followed by pupils in public schools, 107,447 (about 30.2%), and the ate schools which enrolled
79,032 (about 22.2 %) of the total number of preprimary pupils. Participation in pre-primary
education shows equal access to pre-primary education for both male and Female.
24
Table 2.1.4: Primary school pupils by school status
Description/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total primary pupils 2,540,374 2,503,705 2,512,465 2,729,116 2,742,551
Male 1,272,842 1,259,344 1,268,996 1,370,022 1,384,332
Female 1,267,532 1,244,361 1,243,469 1,359,094 1,358,219
% Of Male 50.1% 50.3% 50.5% 50.2% 50.5%
% Of Female 49.9% 49.7% 49.5% 49.8% 49.5%
Pupils in Public schools 796,899 790,906 812,077 1,063,617 1,097,453
Male 398,902 397,253 409,920 534,244 553,802
Female 397,997 393,653 402,157 529,373 543,651
Pupils in Government-subsidized
1,647,498 1,609,471 1,592,142 1,532,460 1,507,756
schools
Male 825,558 810,129 804,421 768,918 761619
Female 821,940 799,342 787,721 763,542 746137
Pupils in Private schools 95,977 103,328 108,246 133,039 137,342
Male 48,382 51,962 54,655 66,860 68,911
Female 47,595 51,366 53,591 66,179 68,431
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.1.4 shows an increasing trend in the enrolment of primary school pupils between 2020/21
and 2021/22. The number of pupils in primary schools has increased from 2,729,116 in 2020/21 to
2,742,551 in 2021/22 standing for an increase of 0.4%. The same table shows that the number of
male is higher than that of Female at this level of education. The Fifth Rwanda Population and
Housing Census, 2022 showed that the number of male between 6- 11 years of age is higher than
that of Female. Government subsidized and public schools continue to accommodate a high number
of pupils in primary education. Primary pupils in government subsidized schools represent 54.9%,
followed by public schools,40% and then private school pupils which recorded only 5%.
25
Table 2.1.5: Number of lower secondary students
Description/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total Lower secondary Students 382,661 422,093 481,138 521,631 540,634
Male 176,797 194,314 219,915 239,474 245,840
Female 205,864 227,779 261,223 282,157 294,794
% of Male 46.2% 46.0% 45.7% 45.9% 45.5%
% of Female 53.8% 54.0% 54.3% 54.1% 54.5%
Students in Public schools 125,053 138,482 160,034 190,088 199,249
Male 58,857 64,617 74,384 88,199 91,989
Female 66,196 73,865 85,650 101,889 107,260
Students in Government-
232,874 258,660 295,952 304,064 313,737
subsidized schools
Male 104,640 116,232 131,872 136,416 139144
Female 128,234 142,428 164,080 167,648 174593
Students in Private schools 24,734 24,951 25,152 27,479 27,648
Male 13,300 13,465 13,659 14,859 14,707
Female 11,434 11,486 11,493 12,620 12,941
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.1.5 shows that the number of students enrolled in lower secondary education in 2021/22 is
540,634 from 521,632 in 2020/21, female students accounted for 54.5% compared to their male
counterparts with 45.5%. A higher number of students are recorded in government subsidized
schools, 313,737(58.0%), followed by those in public schools, 199,249(36.8%), and then private
schools that recorded 27,648 (5.11%).
26
Table 2.1.6 shows that the total number of students enrolled in general and professional upper
secondary enrolment was 189,660 in 2021/22. There is an increase of 10.2% in enrolment between
2020/21 and 2021/22 from 171,994 to 189,660. Female students accounted for 58.2% compared to
their male counterparts with 41.8%. The government interventions aiming at ensuring female
students are progressing through education system and complete secondary education are starting
to bear fruits. The fifth Rwanda Population and Housing Census, 2022 indicated that the share of
females age between 7-18 years of age attending schools is higher than that of male. Government-
subsidized schools enrolled 103,230 standing for 57.2%, followed by public schools with an
enrolment of 60,033 students constituting 33.3% while private enrolment accounted for only 17,247
students constituting 9.6 % of total enrolment.
Enrollment data in TVET level 1 to 5 shows that a total of 83,458 students were enrolled, unlike
previous years, this number does not include students who are enrolled in accounting. The
accounting trade has been moved from TVET trades to a professional course. As always, female
enrolment remained low (41.7%) compared to male (58.3%) in TVET schools. Contrarily to the other
levels of education, private schools in TVET registered the highest number of students
41,995(50.3%), followed by public schools with 23,784 students (30.1%) and government-subsidized
schools with 16,272 students (19.4%).
27
Table 2.1.8: Number of students in TVET schools and accounting
2020/21 2021/22
TVET vs Accounting
TVET Accounting Total TVET Accounting Total
Total Students 79,434 9,787 89,221 83,458 9,291 92,749
Male 45,801 1,717 47,518 48,623 1,528 47,947
Female 33,633 8,070 41,703 34,835 7,763 40,725
Students in Public schools 22,479 1,782 24,261 25,191 1,892 25,676
Male 13,857 435 14,292 15006 439 14,669
Female 8,622 1,347 9,969 10185 1485 11,007
Students in Government-
12,716 2,340 15,056 16,272 2,106 17,860
subsidized schools
Male 7,339 402 7,741 9253 401 9,389
Female 5,377 1,938 7,315 7019 1742 8,471
Students in Private schools 44,239 5,665 49,904 41,995 5,012 45,136
Male 24,605 880 25,485 24,364 688 23,889
Female 19,634 4,785 24,419 17,631 4536 21,247
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.1.8 shows the number of students enrolled in TVET and accounting separately. Data shows
that the number of students enrolled in TVET increased by 4,024 from 79,434 students in 2020/21
to 83,458 students in 2021/22. Though private schools registered a high number of students in TVET,
an increase in the enrolment of students in TVET is seen in the public and government subsidized
schools with a decrease in private schools. Female students continue to be poorly represented in
TVET institutions. A slight decrease is seen in the enrollment of students in accounting with a
difference of 496 students enrolled between 2020/21 to 2021/22. Unlike in the TVET institutions, a
high share of female is enrolled in accounting.
Table 2.1.9: Higher education Institution students
Indicator/Year 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2020/21 2021/22
Total number of students 91,193 89,160 86,206 88,448 95,863
Male 49,908 51,119 49,090 48,757 53,771
Female 41,285 38,041 37,116 39,691 42,092
% of Male 54.7% 57.3% 56.9% 55.1% 56.1%
% of Female 45.3% 42.7% 43.1% 44.9% 43.9%
Students in Public HEIs 38,595 38,338 35,719 37,177 42,753
Male 25,518 26,247 24,364 24,657 27,373
Female 13,077 12,091 11,355 12,520 15,380
% of Male 66.1% 68.5% 68.2% 66.3% 64.0%
% of Female 33.9% 31.5% 31.8% 33.7% 36.0%
Students in Private HEIs 52,598 50,822 50,487 51,271 53,110
Male 24,390 24,872 24,726 24,100 26,398
Female 28,208 25,950 25,761 27,171 26,712
% of Male 46.4% 48.9% 49.0% 47.0% 49.7%
% of Female 53.6% 51.1% 51.0% 53.0% 50.3%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
28
Table 2.1.9 displays an increase in higher education enrolments from 88,448 in 2020/21 to 95,863
in 2020/21. Public institution enrolments rose by 15.0% to 42,753, while private increased by 3.6%
to 53,110. Private universities had the highest share of 55.5% while public represents 44.6%. Male
enrolment represented 56.1% overall, with public institutions having a higher number of males
(64.0%) while Female enrolment exceeded male enrolment in private institutions with 50.3%.
Table 2.1.10 shows a slight increase in the number of students in polytechnic institutions from
13,172 in 2020/21 to 13,393 in 2021/22 and a significant difference between males and females.
More males continued to be enrolled in polytechnic institutions than females. The table highlights
that only 25.6% of the students enrolled were female. The number of females in Private Polytechnic
institutions decreased from 1,321 in 2020/21 to 676 in 2021/22, thereby making a decrease of 49%
(645) from the previous academic year. This highlights the need to conduct awareness campaigns
to sensitize Female to join polytechnics. Affirmative actions aimed at increasing the number of
females in polytechnic institutions should also be taken.
29
Table 2.1.11: Students enrolled in General Higher Education
Indicator/Year 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2020/21 2021/22
Total students 80,773 75,713 72,128 75,276 82,470
Male 42,027 41,458 38,955 39,175 43,810
Female 38,746 34,255 33,173 36,101 38,660
% of Male 52.0% 54.8% 54.0% 52.0% 53.1%
% of Female 48.0% 45.2% 46.0% 48.0% 46.9%
Students in Public Institutions 30,631 28,929 26,345 27,265 32,242
Male 19,238 19,085 17,049 17,014 19,618
Female 11,393 9,844 9,296 10,251 12,624
% of Male 62.8% 66.0% 64.7% 62.4% 60.8%
% of Female 37.2% 34.0% 35.3% 37.6% 39.2%
Students in Private Institutions 50,142 46,784 45,783 48,011 50,228
Male 22,789 22,373 21,906 22,161 24,192
Female 27,353 24,411 23,877 25,850 26,036
% of Male 45.5% 47.8% 47.9% 46.2% 48.2%
% of Female 54.6% 52.2% 52.2% 53.8% 51.8%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.1.11 shows a notable increase in the number of students in General Higher Education from
75,128 in 2020/21 to 82,470. The increase is seen in both public and private institutions. On average,
the share of male students is higher than that of female students. However, there is a higher number
of female students in private institutions. This demonstrates a need to encourage female students
to be more registered in general higher public institutions.
30
Table 2.1.13 illustrates the number of learners in adult literacy centres. Data indicates a decrease in
number of learners in adult literacy centers from 127,054 in 2020/21 to116,028 in 2021/11. This
represents a decrease by 8.6%. Female leaners outnumber male learners in adult literacy centres. A
notable decrease is recorded in private centres, from 13,686 learners in 2020/21 to 6,496 learners in
2021/22. Government subsidized centre recorded a decrease of 4,667 learners. A decrease in the
number of learners in the private centres can be attributed to the shutdown of some private centres.
Some government subsidized centres have also closed, and this affected the enrollment of learners
in adult literacy centres. There is a need to collaborate with private sector and Faith Based
Organizations to ensure adult centres are reopening.
Table 2.2.1 shows the number of pupils enrolled in primary education by grade. Data shows that
pupils enrolled in P1 decreased by 83,980 between 2020/21 and 2021/22. There has been a single
intake of P1 in 2021/22 which explains the decrease in the enrollment of P1 pupils. Data shows an
increase in the enrollment of P2 pupils from 446,437 pupils in 2020/21 to 634,011 pupils in 2021/23.
This increase is explained by the larger cohort of P1 that transitioned into P2. A decrease in the
enrollment is seen in all other grades, from P3 to P6.
31
Data on enrollment in table 2.2.1 enlightens the issue of educational loss in primary education. While
493,786 pupils started primary one in 2017, only 377,208 pupils reached Primary 5. That means
116,578 pupils (about 23.6%) withdraw before they reach primary five. A high share of those who
withdraw from the primary education system are male, about 62.6%.
Table 2.2.2 shows that the number of students enrolled in lower secondary education increased from
217,514 in 2020/21 to 222,655 in 2021/22, an increase of 5,141 students. Female students
outnumbered male students in all classes. Data shows that 72,197students (about 36.5%) who
registered in senior one in 2019 did not reach senior three. A high share of those who withdraw
before they reach senior three are Female, 37493(about 51.9%).
Table 2.2.3: General and professional upper secondary school student’s enrolment
Indicator/Year Sex 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total 56,446 60,842 62,368 65,486 73,678
Secondary 4 Male 24,925 27,162 27,830 28,225 30,178
Female 31,521 33,680 34,538 37,261 43,500
Total 48,551 51,525 56,346 55,320 61,987
Secondary 5 Male 21,757 23,064 25,175 24,968 25,464
Female 26,794 28,461 31,171 30,352 36,523
Total 43,719 44,437 49,095 51,188 53,995
Secondary 6 Male 19,566 20,242 22,198 23,029 23,556
Female 24,153 24,195 26,897 28,159 30,439
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.2.3 shows that the number of students enrolled in upper secondary education increased
from 65,486 in 2020/21 to 66,146 in 2021/22, an increase of 660 students. Female students
outnumbered male students in all classes. Data shows that 14,167 students (about 22.7%) who
registered in senior four in 2019 did not reach senior six. A high share of those who took longer in
32
the system or withdrew before they reached senior six are Female, 8,299(about 58.5%). There is a
need to ensure Female are progressing through education and completing secondary education.
Table 2.2.4 illustrates the total number of TVET trainees. Data indicates an increase in the number
of TVET trainees from 110,954 trainees in 2020/21 to 132,727 trainees in 2021/22. TVET Trainees
increased by 21,773. The peak enrollment is seen in TVET short courses. The share of male trainees
is higher than that of female trainees. The latter represents only 43.1% (a slight decrease compared
to the year before) of the total TVET trainees. This highlights the need to conduct awareness
campaigns to sensitize Female to join polytechnics. Affirmative actions aimed at increasing the
number of females in polytechnic institutions should also be taken.
33
Table 2.2.5: TVET trainee’s enrolment from level 1 to 5
Levels Sex 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Level 1 Total 11,274 8,810 15,464 16,075 12,780
Male 5,932 4,707 9,244 7,044 5,920
Female 5,342 4,103 6,220 9,031 6,860
Level 2 Total 2,077 602 324 460 516
Male 1,026 273 168 225 316
Female 1,051 329 156 235 200
Level 3 Total 24,603 28,732 25,885 30,692 27,410
Male 13,590 16,218 14,459 17,134 16,261
Female 11,013 12,514 11,426 13,558 11,149
Level 4 Total 19,846 20,361 22,748 20,666 24,287
Male 11,011 10,924 12,469 11,380 14,669
Female 8,835 9,437 10,279 9,286 9,618
Level 5 Total 21,795 20,883 18,736 21,328 18,465
Male 11,941 11,463 10,233 11,735 11,457
Female 9,854 9,420 8,503 9,593 7,008
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
The differences observed in levels 1 and 2 can be attributed to the nature of these levels, allowing
trainees to progress based on completed modules. In contrast, levels 3 to 5 require successful
completion of the previous level to advance. The decrease between 2020/21 and 2021/22, as shown
in Table 2.1.9, is explained by the accounting shift from TVET.
34
2.3 Learners by specialization
Table 2.3.1 illustrates the enrollment of upper secondary students by learning areas. Overall, there
is a significant increase in all learning areas over the four years. The highest enrolment has been
recorded in science combinations (99,630 students) followed by TVET (70,162 students) while the
35
lowest enrolment is recorded in Nursing with 209 students. Gender disparities in enrolment are clear
in all learning areas. Female students outnumbered male students in sciences (57.5%), in Humanities
(53.5%), in languages (58.3%), in TTC (57.4%) and in accounting (83.6%). However, female students
have low representation in TVET (39.6%) and in nursing (44%).
Table 2.3.2 shows the number of upper secondary students per learning area. Sciences have the
highest enrolment with 99,630 students, constituting 38.3% of the total student population. TVET is
the second major field with 70,162, about 27.0% of the total student population. The learning area
with the lowest student enrolment is Nursing with only 209 students constituting 0.1% of the total
student population. Table 2.3.1 also shows a higher share of female students' enrolment than male
students across all the learning areas except for TVET and Nursing.
36
Table 2.3.3: Proportion of upper secondary students per grade in 2021/22
Grade Sex Science Humanities Languages TTC TVET Nursing Accounting Total
S4/Y1/L3 Total 40.4% 11.6% 13.5% 4.3% 27.1% 0.2% 2.9% 100%
Male 36.2% 11.4% 11.9% 4.2% 35.0% 0.3% 1.1% 100%
Female 43.9% 11.7% 14.9% 4.5% 20.4% 0.2% 4.5% 100%
S5/Y2/L4 Total 35.0% 13.1% 14.7% 4.9% 28.2% 0.0% 4.1% 100%
Male 31.6% 13.1% 12.8% 4.5% 36.6% 0.0% 1.5% 100%
Female 38.1% 13.2% 16.3% 5.3% 20.8% 0.0% 6.3% 100%
S6/Y3/L5 Total 39.5% 13.3% 13.8% 4.1% 25.5% 0.0% 3.9% 100%
Male 36.7% 13.3% 12.8% 3.3% 32.7% 0.0% 1.2% 100%
Female 42.1% 13.3% 14.7% 4.7% 18.7% 0.0% 6.5% 100%
Total Total 38.3% 12.6% 14.0% 4.5% 27.0% 0.1% 3.6% 100%
Male 34.8% 12.5% 12.4% 4.0% 34.9% 0.1% 1.3% 100%
Female 41.5% 12.6% 15.3% 4.8% 20.1% 0.1% 5.6% 100%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.3.3 shows that a high proportion of students in upper secondary education are enrolled in
sciences (38.3%) and in TVET (27.0%). A high share are female students in science. However, the
trend reverses in TVET where female students are lower compared to male students. In general, there
are government interventions that aimed at having more students in sciences and TVET are bearing
fruits.
Science
14.0% 38.3% TVET
12.6% Humanities
Languages
TTC
27.0%
Accounting
Nursing
37
Table 2.3.4: Higher education students enrolled by field of education.
Field of Education/Year 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2020/21 2021/22
Education 10,906 8,938 10,875 14,021 20,276
Male 6,892 5,513 6,402 8,149 11,524
Female 4,014 3,425 4,473 5,872 8,752
Arts and Humanities 2,741 1,533 973 4,108 5,773
Male 737 924 590 2,459 3,476
Female 2,004 609 383 1,649 2,297
Social Sciences, Journalism and Information 4,309 5,001 6,258 2,907 2,129
Male 2,065 2,861 3,151 1,446 1,165
Female 2,244 2,140 3,107 1,461 964
Business, Administration and Law 30,360 29,408 25,708 21,437 22,459
Male 12,999 13,361 11,481 8,346 9,409
Female 17,361 16,047 14,227 13,091 13,050
Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics 3,977 2,984 3,775 5,821 5,802
Male 2,614 2,020 2,461 3,251 3,117
Female 1,363 964 1,314 2,570 2,685
Information and Communication Technologies 9,309 7,540 9,427 9,171 10,168
Male 5,984 4,930 5,888 5,631 6,528
Female 3,325 2,610 3,539 3,540 3,640
Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction 11,228 14,241 14,220 13,020 13,105
Male 9,292 11,391 11,423 10,402 10,296
Female 1,936 2,850 2,797 2,618 2,809
Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Veterinary 4,302 2,576 2,907 4,160 4,741
Male 2,597 1,725 1,909 2,514 2,771
Female 1,705 851 998 1,646 1,970
Health and Welfare 7,230 8,251 6,726 6,296 7,625
Male 3,545 4,442 3,477 3,297 3,910
Female 3,685 3,809 3,249 2,999 3,715
Services 6,831 8,688 5,337 7,507 3,785
Male 3,183 3,952 2,308 3,262 1,575
Female 3,648 4,736 3,029 4,245 2,210
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Business, Administration and Law, and Education have had the highest student population for the
last two academic years. Specifically, during the 2020/21 academic year, 14,021 students were
enrolled in Education, and the number increased to 20,276 students in the academic year 2020/22.
In 2020/21 the Social Sciences, Journalism and Information field had the lowest student enrolment
of 2,129. During the 2021/22 academic year, the number of students enrolled in Services decreased
from 7,507 in 2020/21 to 3,785.
38
Table 2.3.5: TVET short courses trainees by type of intervention
Interventions 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2020/21 2021/22
Total 17,486 9,650 9,932 8,561 35,876
Male 13,946 4,397 6,540 5,908 16,912
Female 3,540 5,253 3,392 2,653 18,964
% Male 79.8% 45.6% 65.8% 69.0% 47.1%
% Female 20.2% 54.4% 34.2% 31.0% 52.9%
School based training - - - - 15,354
Male - - - - 5,315
Female - - - - 10,039
Recognition of Prior Learning 10,283 347 1,044 5,029 6,384
Male 9,868 321 1,012 4,432 5,217
Female 415 26 32 597 1,167
Industrial Based Training 1,448 386 58 769 7,580
Male 820 185 30 332 3,663
Female 628 201 28 437 3,917
Massive Vocation Training 3,973 1,942 886 662 3,063
Male 2,305 1,241 413 431 1,120
Female 1,668 701 473 231 1,943
Rapid Response Training 1,300 1,250 300 2,101 1,722
Male 624 308 99 713 696
Female 676 942 201 1,388 1,026
Other programs 482 5,725 7,644 - 1,773
Male 329 2,342 4,986 - 901
Female 153 3,383 2,658 - 872
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
As illustrated in table 2.3.5, the school-based training was the newly introduced program and the
most dominant in 2021/22 with a total of 15,354 trainees representing 45.2% of the total trainees in
short courses. The share of female trainees is higher than that of male trainees representing 52.9%
of the total trainees. Other programs include reconversion program that phases out in 2019, dual
training and specific training delivered by institutions like GIZ, Anabel or Kilimo trust.
39
2.4 Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics students
Since 2017, the enrolment in STEM subjects in upper secondary has grown from 119,092 students
to 158,809 students in 2021/22. While this may look like a linear increase, STEM Students increased
from 143,950 in 2020/21 to 158,809 in 2021/22. In addition, the table shows that a gender gap does
exist in STEM programs. Overall, Table 2.4.2 shows that the percentage of STEM students has been
growing at a high rate of 9.2 between 2020/21 and 2021/22. Disappointingly the percentage of
female students in STEM fields has remained constantly low compared to male students. The rate
at which STEM students increased differs among the types of schools. Public schools record the
highest increase of 14.4%, from 50.8% in 2020/21 to 64.1% in 2021/22. This shows that more efforts
have been made in awareness campaigns and setting up various affirmative actions aimed at
increasing the number of students in STEM-related trades.
40
Table 2.4.2: Percentage of STEM students enrolled in upper secondary
Description/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Percentage of STEM Students 56.8% 58.7% 58.3% 55.1% 64.1%
Male 62.7% 66.3% 66.4% 62.5% 71.7%
Female 51.4% 51.6% 50.7% 48.4% 57.4%
Percentage in Public schools 58.6% 60.0% 60.7% 50.8% 65.2%
Male 61.6% 64.9% 66.4% 53.4% 70.2%
Female 55.8% 55.0% 54.2% 48.1% 60.5%
Percentage in Government-subsidized schools 54.3% 55.1% 55.4% 54.8% 59.7%
Male 56.0% 57.2% 57.0% 57.4% 62.4%
Female 52.9% 53.4% 54.2% 52.7% 57.7%
Students in Private schools 59.3% 64.0% 60.7% 61.5% 72.4%
Male 75.4% 83.3% 82.2% 82.8% 91.2%
Female 42.0% 42.9% 38.1% 39.9% 51.5%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Overall, Table 2.4.2 shows that the percentage of STEM students has been growing at a high rate of
9.2 between 2020/21 and 2021/22. The percentage of female students in STEM fields has remained
constantly low compared to male students. The rate at which STEM students increased differs
among the types of schools. Public schools record the highest increase of 14.4%, from 50.8% in
2020/21 to 65.2% in 2021/22. This demonstrates the positive effect of the government initiatives
that aim at increasing the number of students in STEM-related subjects.
41
Table 2.4.3 illustrates the number of STEM students enrolled in Higher Education. Data shows an
increase of 4,307 STEM students enrolled from 2020/21 to 2021/22. However, the increase is
observed in public institutions, private institutions has recorded a decrease in the number of STEM
students from 17,332 students to 16,894 students. The share of male students is higher than that of
female students representing 63.6% of the total STEM students. This discrepancy is observed in both
public and private institutions. It clearly demonstrates the need to ensure female students are
encouraged to register in STEM subject at High Education.
Overall, Table 2.4.4 shows that the percentage of STEM students has been growing at a low rate of
0.7 between 2020/21 and 2021/22. The percentage of female students in STEM fields has remained
constantly low in both public and private institutions. This shows that more efforts are needed to
ensure Female are encouraged to join STEM subjects.
Table 2.5.1: Number of enrolled learners in 2021/22 per age group and level of education
Age group <3 3-5 6-11 12-14 15-17 18-22 >22 Total
Preprimary 3,961 258,876 92,488 - - - - 355,325
Primary - 41,486 1,691,925 741,975 237,121 29,645 749 2,742,901
Lower secondary - - 1,531 121,551 304,308 111,890 1,391 540,671
Upper secondary - - - 548 39,340 137,773 11,999 189,660
TVET L3- L5 - - - 144 14,002 51,965 4,051 70,162
TVET L1- L2 - - - - 2,237 7,930 3,129 13,296
TVET short course - - - 79 3,034 18,634 14,129 35,876
Polytechnics - - - - - 4,679 8,714 13,393
General Higher education - - - - 17 19,686 62,767 82,470
Adult literacy - - - 65 478 4,952 110,533 116,028
Total 3,961 300,362 1,785,944 864,362 600,537 387,154 217,462 4,159,782
42
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.5.1 illustrates the numbers of learners enrolled in the education system per age group and
level of education. Data indicates of 355,325 learners enrolled in pre-primary, 258,876 (72.8%) are
within the age range of 3-5 years, the right age range for pre-primary learners. Data also indicates
that of the 2,742,901 learners enrolled in primary schools, 1,691,925(61.6%) are between the age
range of 6-11 years, the right age range for primary learners. Data shows that of the 540,671 students
enrolled in Lower secondary schools, 121,551(22.4%) are between the age range of 12-14 years, the
right age range for lower secondary school students. For those enrolled in upper secondary, 39,340
representing 20.7% are between the age range of 15-17 years of age. In TVET L3 L5, the enrolled
trainees who are within the right age range represent only 7.3%. Majority of trainees in TVET are
above the correct age group.
Table 2.5.2 shows a notable rise in over-age students across different education levels, with the
highest number in primary education. The increase in over-age students in 2020/21 can be attributed
to delay of one year due to COVID-19 school closures, while the increase in 2021/22 may be linked
to the implementation of a new law lowering the official school age. To address this issue, it is
important to raise awareness among parents and communities to ensure that all 6-year-old learners
are starting primary education on time.
43
Table 2.5.3: Percentage of learners over-age for grade
Description/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Overall % of over-age learners 24.4% 19.5% 18.5% 22.9% 46.3%
Male 25.9% 21.8% 20.7% 24.1% 48.7%
Female 22.8% 17.3% 16.4% 21.7% 43.9%
% of over-age pupils in preprimary 3.3% 3.1% 2.3% 0.5% 26.0%
Male 3.5% 3.2% 2.4% 0.4% 26.5%
Female 3.2% 2.9% 2.2% 0.6% 25.5%
% of over-age pupils in primary 27.4% 20.8% 20.1% 24.6% 44.1%
Male 28.9% 23.1% 22.1% 25.9% 46.8%
Female 26.0% 18.6% 18.0% 23.4% 41.4%
% of over-age students in lower Secondary 23.5% 22.5% 18.3% 25.4% 61.9%
Male 26.9% 25.9% 21.5% 26.3% 66.2%
Female 20.5% 19.5% 15.6% 24.6% 58.3%
% of over-age students in Gen. and prof.
10.6% 12.9% 21.6% 23.3% 64.3%
upper Secondary
Male 11.0% 15.3% 25.4% 25.1% 68.4%
Female 10.3% 11.0% 18.5% 21.9% 61.3%
% of over-aged students in TVET L3-L5 13.2% 23.4% 22.7% 28.1% 65.2%
Male 13.0% 23.8% 25.6% 31.2% 68.7%
Female 13.4% 22.8% 19.1% 24.3% 59.9%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.5.3 demonstrates a decrease in the percentage of over-age students from 2017 to 2019.
However, the subsequent increase between 2019 and 2020/21 can be attributed to a one-year delay
caused by an extended period of school closure. Furthermore, the situation worsened between
2020/21 and 2021/22 due to a reduction in the official school age by one year. As we progress to
higher levels, the percentage of over-age students tends to rise, with males being more prone to
being over-age than females.
Table 2.5.4: People aged 3-22 in school and out of school by official school age
Age group 3-5 years 6-11 years 12-14 years 15-17 years 18-22 years
Total populations** 1,071,139 1,937,762 947,107 939,789 1,352,795
Male 536,957 970,363 472,054 468,581 664,418
Female 534,182 967,399 475,053 471,208 688,377
In school * 300,362 1,785,944 864,362 600,537 387,154
Male 148,563 895,251 417,635 288,629 195,092
Female 151,799 890,693 446,727 311,908 192,062
Out of school 770,777 151,818 82,745 339,252 965,641
Male 388,394 75,112 54,419 179,952 469,326
Female 382,383 76,706 28,326 159,300 496,315
Source: *School census, Ministry of Education, **RPHC5 population census, 2022 (NISR)
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Table 2.5.4 provides data on the number of people aged 3-22 who are in school and out of school,
categorized by official school age groups. Among those in school, the highest numbers are in the 6-
11 years age group, with 1,785,944 individuals, followed by 12-14 years with 864,362 individuals. The
lowest number in school is in the 3-5 years age group, with 300,362 individuals; some children in this
age group are still at home or are accommodated in ECDs centers.
On the other hand, the number of individuals out of school is highest in the 18-22 years age group,
with 965,641 individuals, which is linked to the fact that few individuals continue to higher education.
The lowest number out of school is in the 12-14 years age group, with 82,745 individuals.
Table 2.5.5: Participation rate for children aged 3 - 6 years
Indicator/Year 2017 2018 2019 2021 2022 2022
Preprimary age group 4-6 years 3-5 years
Overall 29.9% 31.8% 37.0% 42.3% 48.6% 28.0%
Male 29.4% 31.2% 36.3% 41.3% 48.1% 27.7%
Female 30.5% 32.4% 37.7% 43.4% 49.0% 28.4%
One year before primary 6 years 5 years
Overall 47.1% 52.6% 57.1% 72.2% 71.3% 46.8%
Male 46.8% 52.0% 56.4% 71.1% 71.0% 46.2%
Female 47.4% 53.1% 57.9% 73.3% 71.6% 47.5%
Source: *School census, Ministry of Education, **Population Census 2012, 2022 (NISR)
Table 2.5.5 presents a rise in the participation rate of children within the age range for attending
preprimary education (4-6 years), increasing from 42.3% in 2021 to 48.6% in 2022. However, with the
change in official school age to 3-5 years this indicator stands at 28.0%.
The participation rate for children one year before starting preprimary experienced a decrease, from
72.2% to 71.3% for those aged 6 years. When considering the current official age of starting primary
at 6 years, this indicator shifts to those aged 5 years with 46.8% of participation rate. Notably, at this
early age, females exhibit higher enrollment rates compared to males.
Table 2.5.6: Participation rate for people aged 6-18
Indicator/Year 2017 2018 2019 2021 2022 2022
Primary age group 7-12 years 6-11 years
Overall 98.7% 98.6% 99.0% 99.3% 96.9% 92.2%
Male 98.7% 98.7% 99.3% 99.0% 96.8% 92.3%
Female 98.8% 98.5% 98.6% 99.6% 97.0% 92.1%
Secondary age group 13-18 years 12-17 years
Overall 72.1% 72.4% 69.5% 76.4% 69.1% 77.6%
Male 71.0% 71.5% 68.3% 74.5% 66.6% 75.1%
Female 73.2% 73.2% 70.6% 78.3% 71.5% 80.2%
Primary and secondary age group 7-18 years 6-17 years
Overall 86.3% 86.1% 84.2% 87.9% 83.1% 85.0%
Male 85.8% 85.8% 83.8% 86.9% 81.8% 83.8%
Female 86.8% 86.4% 84.6% 89.0% 84.3% 86.2%
Source: *School census, Ministry of Education, **Population Census 2012, 2022 (NISR)
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Table 2.5.6 illustrates a decline in the participation rate of children aged 7-12 years, from 99.3% in
2021 to 96.9% in 2022. However, with the change in the official school age for primary to 6-11 years
this rate stands at 92.2%. Similarly, a decrease is observed in the participation rate of children in the
secondary school age range, dropping from 76.4% to 69.1%, with the change in official school age,
this rate stands at 77.6%. Examining the participation rate for children in the secondary school age
range, a decrease is evident, dropping from 87.9% to 83.1%. With the new school age range there is
85.0% of people aged between 6-17 in schools.
Table 2.5.5. indicates that the participation rate of youth (15-24 years) stands at 38.6%. The
participation rate for people aged between 18-22 years old stands at 28.9%. Overall, the participation
rate for people aged 3-22 (official school age for all levels from pre-primary to higher education) is
63.0%.
Table 2.6.1: National average for Gross and Net enrolment rate
Indicator/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22 2021/22
Age range 4-18 years 3-17 years
Gross Enrolment Rate (Overall) 67.1% 67.2% 70.4% 74.5% 73.6% 72.4%
GER Male 66.7% 66.8% 70.0% 73.4% 72.9% 71.6%
GER Female 67.6% 67.5% 70.8% 75.5% 74.4% 73.1%
Net Enrolment Rate (Overall) 50.9% 49.7% 49.2% 53.1% 51.3% 45.6%
NER Male 50.0% 50.2% 48.2% 51.8% 50.0% 44.4%
NER Female 51.8% 49.3% 50.1% 54.5% 52.7% 46.9%
Source: *School census, Ministry of Education, **Population Census 2012, 2022 (NISR)
46
The official pre-primary, primary and secondary school age was 4-18 years but with the new law this
shifted to 3-17 years. According to Table 2.6.1, there is a decline in the national average for both
Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) and Net Enrolment Rate (NER) in pre-primary, primary, and secondary
education. When considering same age group (4-18 years), the GER decreased from 74.5% in
2020/21 to 73.6% in 2021/22, while the NER dropped from 53.1% to 51.3%. with the change in the
official school age to 3-17 years, the GER stands at 72.4% and the NER is at 45.6%.
The old official pre-primary school age was between 4-6 years and with the new law this shifted to
3-5 years. Table 2.6.2 shows that Gross Enrolment Rate (for the 4-6 years) increased from 30.0% in
2020/21 to 33.3% in 2021/22. On the other hand, the pre-primary school net enrolment rate
(considering same age group 4-6) has increased from 25.9% in 2020/21 to 27.9% in 2021/22.
Referring to the current official pre-primary school age in Rwanda, the preprimary Gross enrollment
rate (for 3-5 years) is 33.2% while net enrolment rate with the same age group is 24.2%. The
proportion of female is always higher than that of male.
Gross Enrolment Ratio and Net Enrolment Rate at the primary school level were derived using a
population aged between 7 and 12 (old official school-going age for primary school) and 6-11 years
(current official school age for primary school) and corresponding number for primary school
enrolment. Table 2.6.3 shows an improvement in the Gross Enrolment Rate in primary (with 7 - 12
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age group) from 149.8% in 2020/21 to 144.8 % in 2021/22. However, GER exceeds 100% due to the
over-aged and under-aged students; at this stage the number of over-age students is high. The Net
Enrolment Rate (with 7-12 age group) decreased from 98.9% in 2020/21 to 95.2% in 2021/22. Table
2.6.3 reveals that the primary GER and NER for Rwanda (using current primary school age of 6 to 11
years) in 2021/22 stands at 141.5% and 87.3%. Generally, there is no significant difference between
Male and Female for net enrolment rate.
Before the official secondary school age was between 13-18 years and with the new law this shifted
to 12-17 years. Table 2.6.4 shows that secondary schools Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) with 13 to 18
age group decreased from 43.6% in 2020/21 to 42.9% in 2021/22. On the other hand, Net Enrolment
Rate with the same age group decreased from 34.6% to 30.8%.
When considering the current official secondary school-age which is between 12-17 years, GER and
NER stands at 42.4% and 25.4% respectively. The rate for females is higher than that of males.
The old official school-age for lower secondary school was 13–15 years and the current official
school age is now between 12-14 years. Table 2.6.5 shows that when considering the 13-15 age
group, Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) remains stable at 56.9% in both 2020/21 and 2020/21 and the
Net Enrolment Rate (NER) decreased from 31.3% in 2021/22 to 22.6% in 2021/22. With the current
48
official school age of 12-14 years, the GER and NER stands at 57.1% and 12.8%, respectively.
Furthermore, GER and NER for female is higher than that of male students.
Previously, the official school age population for upper secondary school was 16–18 years with the
new education law this shifted to 15-17 years. Table 2.6.6 shows that the Gross Enrolment Rate and
Net Enrolment Rate with 16-18 years age group decreased respectively from 29.7 % in 2020/21 to
28.3% in 2021/22 and from 13.7 % in 2020/21 to 10.6% in 2021/22. With current official school age
of 15-17 years GER and NER are 27.6% and 5.7%, respectively. The GER and NER for female students
aged 15-17 is higher than that of male students.
Table 2.6.7: Higher education GER and students per 100,000 inhabitants
Indicator/Year 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2020/21 2021/22 2021/22
Age range 19-23 years 18-22 years
Gross enrollment rate in HEIs 8.1% 7.8% 7.4% 7.1% 7.6% 7.1%
Male 9.1% 9.1% 8.6% 8.0% 8.7% 8.1%
Female 7.2% 6.5% 6.2% 6.3% 6.5% 6.1%
Students per 100,000 inhabitants 772 737 697 683 724
Male 872 872 817 774 836
Female 678 611 583 597 617
Source: *School census, Ministry of Education, **RPHC4_population projection, 2012 (NISR)
The theoretical school-age for higher education use to be 19-23 years with the change in official
school age this shifted to 18-22. Table 2.6.7 shows that higher education gross enrolment ratio (with
the 19-23 age group) increased from 7.1% in 2021/22 to 7.6% in 2021/22. However, with the change
to 18-22 years this remains unchanged to 7.1%. Generally, the GER of males is higher than the GER
of females (8.1% against 6.1%, respectively).
On average 724 per 100,000 people in Rwanda are enrolled in higher education in 2021/22. Table
2.6.7. shows an increase from 683 in 2020/21 to 724 in 2021/22. A high number of students per
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100,000 inhabitants indicate an important level of participation in higher education in relation to the
country’s population.
Table 2.6.8: Gender parity index in enrollment
Indicators 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
GPI in NER at Preprimary 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.07 1.02
GPI in NER at Primary 1.00 1.01 1.00 1.00 1.00
GPI in NER at Lower Secondary 1.24 1.25 1.27 1.17 1.45
GPI in NER at Upper Secondary 1.07 1.12 1.09 1.17 1.38
GPI in TVET enrolment 0.83 0.82 0.79 0.88 0.72
GPI in GER at Higher Education 0.79 0.71 0.72 0.79 0.76
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
The Gender Parity Index (GPI) serves as an indicator of gender equality between females and males.
A GPI value below 1 suggests a higher level of disparity for females, while a GPI value above 1
indicates a higher level of disparity in favor of males. The ideal number for equality is 1
Table 2.6.8 indicates Gender Parity Index in enrollment. Data shows that at Preprimary, primary, lower
and upper secondary, there was gender disparity in favour of Female, while in TVET and Higher
Education there was gender disparity in favour of male.
50
The primary Gross Intake Rate (GIR) in P1 refers to new enrolment in primary one (repeaters
excluded) regardless of age expressed as a proportion of the official school starting age population
and the primary school Net Intake Rate (NIR) refers to the total enrolment in primary one at the official
age expressed as a proportion of the population of the official school starting age.
Considering the old primary school starting age (7 years), the GIR in P1 decreased from 221.1% in
2020/21 to 135.4% in 2021/22. The Net Intake Rate in P1 for pupils aged 7 years also decreased
from 81.5% in 2020/21 to 44.0% in 2021/22. The decrease in NIR for P1 highlights the issue of late
entry to P1 for children aged 7. The NIR P1 (for pupils aged 7 years) ESSP target of 88.7% by 2021/22
was not achieved as well as the GIR P6 ESSP target of 86.9% by 2021/22.
Gross Intake Rate (GIR) in P1 for pupils aged 6 years (the current official primary entrance age) is
129.8% while the primary school Net Intake Rate (NIR) stands at 39.6%. The low intake rate indicates
a low degree of access to primary education for the official primary school entrance age children (6
years). This demonstrates a need to ensure that parents are aware of the change in the official
primary school entrance age.
The Gross Intake Rate in Primary 6 for pupils aged 12 years decreased from 95.7% in 202/21 to
68.49% in 2021/22. This means that there was a decrease in new entrants in primary 6. Few intrants
in P6 could be explained by the high repetition rate in the previous years. On the other hand, the GIR
in primary 6 for pupils aged 11 stands at 72.5%. This highlights the need to address the issue of
repetition rates and to ensure that students are progressing through the education system.
The Net intake Rate in Primary 6 for pupils aged 12 years decreased from 26.9% in 202/21 to 9.9%
in 2021/22. This indicates that only 9.9% of learners have reached P6 on time and at the right age
(12 years). On the other hand, the NIR in primary 6 for pupils aged 11 stands at only 2.9%. This
stresses the need to tackle the issues of late entry to school and grade failure.
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Table 2.7.2 illustrates Gross and Net intake rate in S1. The Gross Intake Rate (GIR) in S1 for students
aged 13 years decreased from 66.4% in 2020/21 to 62.7% in 2021/22 while the Gross Intake Rate
(GIR) in S1 for students aged 12 years stands at 62.0%. This means that the share of new entrants
in S1 is low due to high repetition in the previous years.
The NIR for students aged 13 years decreased from 17.9% in 2020/21 to 9.0% in 2021/21 while the
NIR for students aged 12 years stands at 2.8%. This means that only 2.8% of S1 students aged 12
years (the right age) are enrolled in S1. Measures to ensure that students are not taking longer in the
education system need to be taken.
Table 2.7.3 illustrates Gross and Net intake rate in S3. The Gross Intake Rate (GIR) in S3 for students
aged 15 years decreased from 41.7% in 2020/21 to 37.4% in 2021/22 while the Gross Intake Rate
(GIR) in S3 for students aged 14 years stands at 36.4%. This means that the share of new entrants
in S3 is low due to high repetition in the previous years.
The NIR for students aged 15 years decreased from 12.0% in 2020/21 to 5.4% in 2021/21 while the
NIR for students aged 14 years stands at 2.5%. This means that only 2.5% of S3 students aged 14
years (the right age) are enrolled in S3. Addressing the issues of grade failure and late entry to
schools should be a priority.
52
Table 2.7.4 illustrates Gross and Net intake rate in S6. The Gross Intake Rate (GIR) in S6 for students
aged 18 years decreased from 24.2% in 2020/21 to 23.2% in 2021/22 while the Gross Intake Rate
(GIR) in S6 for students aged 17 years stands at 23.2%. This means that the share of new entrants
in S6 is low due to high repetition in the previous years.
The NIR for students aged 18 years decreased from 9.6% in 2020/21 to 2.7% in 2021/21 while the
NIR for students aged 17 years stands at 0.7%. This means that only 0.7% of S6 students aged 17
years (the right age) are enrolled in S6. Addressing the issues of grade failure and late entry to
schools should be a priority.
The goals of education systems go beyond enrollment growth. They include promoting successful
completion of each educational level without dropouts or grade repetition within the specified
timeframe. When students do not complete a level within the designated time, it leads to education
loss, requiring additional investment for each additional year needed to complete that level. This
subsection will examine the proportion of students who reach the final grade within the specified
time frame.
The proportion of P1 students who successfully reach S6 within 12 years has remained relatively
stable over the past five years. An estimated 11.3% of students achieved reaching S6 without any
delays. There is a significant education loss at this stage, with approximately 88.7% of students
experiencing delays or difficulties in completing their education within the expected timeframe. The
proportion of female students surpasses that of male students in successfully reaching S6 within
12 years.
53
Table 2.8.2: Proportion of P1 students who reach P6 within 6 years.
Period 2012-2017 2013-2018 2014-2019 2015-2020/21 2016-2021/22
Entry P1 672,955 664,161 663,113 639,656 606,712
Male 340,825 337,723 340,576 331,046 315,448
Female 332,130 326,438 322,537 308,610 291,264
Exit P6 244,503 260,060 299,954 288,116 227,552
Male 110,892 118,751 139,172 134,297 102,527
Female 133,611 141,309 160,782 153,819 125,025
Proportion 36.3% 39.2% 45.2% 45.0% 37.5%
Male 32.5% 35.2% 40.9% 40.6% 32.5%
Female 40.2% 43.3% 49.8% 49.8% 42.9%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
The proportion of P1 students who successfully reach P6 within 6 years decreased from 45.0% in
2020/21 to 37.5% in 2021/22. An estimated 37.5% of students achieved reaching P6 without any
delays. The education loss at this stage is estimated to be 62.5% of students experiencing delays or
difficulties in completing their education within the expected timeframe. The proportion of female
students surpasses that of male students in successfully reaching P6 within 6 years.
54
The percentage of S1 students who achieve the milestone of reaching S6 within 6 years declined
from 55.6% in 2020/21 to 53.6% in 2021/22, indicating that an estimated 53.6% of students
successfully reach S6 without any delays. At this stage, it is estimated that 46.4% of students face
delays or challenges in completing their education within the expected timeframe, resulting in an
education loss. Female students outnumber male students in terms of successfully reaching S6
within the 6-year timeframe.
Promotion, repetition, and dropout rate are interlinked indicators, and they are always summing up
to 100%. This means the increase of one indicator will automatically result in the respective decrease
in another. In this publication the latest data for promotion, repetition, dropout, and transition rate
refer to 2020/21 school year obtained by comparing 2020/21 total enrollment with
promoted/transition, repeated and dropout students in 2021/22.
Table 2.9.1: National average for Promotion, repetition, and dropout rate
Indicator/Year 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Promotion rate 86.3% 87.5% 86.9% 82.3% 77.0%
Male 86.1% 87.1% 86.2% 81.7% 75.5%
Female 86.5% 87.8% 87.6% 83.0% 78.5%
Repetition Rate 8.9% 8.1% 5.8% 8.3% 14.5%
Male 9.3% 8.7% 6.3% 8.6% 15.5%
Female 8.6% 7.6% 5.4% 8.0% 13.6%
Dropout Rate 4.8% 4.4% 7.3% 9.4% 8.5%
Male 4.6% 4.2% 7.6% 9.7% 9.3%
Female 4.9% 4.6% 7.1% 9.0% 7.9%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.9.1 indicates that on average, the promotion rate decreased from 82.3% to 77.0%. This
means that only 77% of students meet the set academic requirements for promotion. The repetition
rate increased from 8.3% to 14.5%. The disruptions to learning and learning loss caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic could explain drops in academic achievements of students that lead to high
repetition rate and low promotion rate. Strategies are needed to catch students up on learning
missed during school closures. The dropout rate went down from 9.4% to 8.5%. The government
interventions to curb the issue of dropout, like the school feeding programs, are having a positive
impact.
55
Table 2.9.2: Promotion, repetition, and dropout rate in primary schools
Indicator/Year 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Promotion rate 78.0% 80.0% 82.2% 79.6% 68.3%
Male 76.4% 78.6% 80.4% 77.2% 65.3%
Female 79.6% 81.3% 84.0% 82.1% 71.3%
Repetition Rate 16.4% 13.4% 10.0% 10.9% 24.6%
Male 17.7% 14.4% 10.9% 11.5% 26.9%
Female 15.1% 12.4% 9.2% 10.3% 22.3%
Dropout Rate 5.6% 6.7% 7.8% 9.5% 7.1%
Male 5.9% 7.0% 8.7% 11.3% 7.8%
Female 5.3% 6.3% 6.8% 7.7% 6.4%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
In primary education, the promotion rate has decreased from 79.6% to 68.3%. More male than Female
are not achieving the set requirements for promotion. At this level, the repetition rate almost doubled
from 10.9 % to 24.6%. More male are repeating classes than Female. The high repetition rate in
primary school is partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic effect on learning. Several learners who
resumed schools after the COVID 19 pandemic found it hard to catch up. The dropout rate has
reduced from 9.5% to 6.4%. Male are dropping out at a higher level than Female.
Table 2.8.3 illustrates a slight decrease in promotion rate from 81.9% to 81.4% with female students
being promoted at a higher rate than male students. The repetition rate increased by 1.6 points
compared to the year before. Male students are failing grades than female students. The dropout
rate decreased from 10.3% to 9.2%. The dropout rate is higher for male students standing at 9.7%
Male students may drop out to look for alternative sources of income.
56
Table 2.9.4: Promotion, repetition, and dropout rate in lower secondary schools
INDICATOR/YEAR 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Promotion rate 86.4% 86.9% 85.9% 80.1% 73.5%
Male 86.3% 87.1% 85.0% 79.7% 71.6%
Female 86.4% 86.7% 86.6% 80.5% 75.1%
Repetition Rate 7.3% 6.0% 5.0% 8.9% 14.0%
Male 7.6% 6.4% 5.7% 9.5% 15.3%
Female 7.1% 5.6% 4.5% 8.5% 12.9%
Dropout Rate 6.3% 7.1% 9.1% 11.0% 12.5%
Male 6.1% 6.5% 9.3% 10.9% 13.1%
Female 6.5% 7.7% 8.9% 11.1% 11.9%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
The promotion rate stands at 73.5% in lower secondary schools, down from 80.1%. The repetition
rate increased by 5.1% points higher than the year before. The increase in failing grades is one of the
clearest signs of how the pandemic has affected students’ education. Contrary to the other levels,
data shows an increase in the dropout rate from 11% to 12.5%. The dropout rate is higher for male
students standing at 13.1%.
Table 2.9.5: Promotion, repetition, and dropout rate in upper secondary schools
INDICATOR/YEAR 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Promotion rate 94.4% 95.5% 92.6% 87.2% 89.3%
Male 95.5% 95.7% 93.1% 88.1% 89.5%
Female 93.4% 95.3% 92.1% 86.5% 89.1%
Repetition Rate 3.1% 5.0% 2.3% 5.0% 4.8%
Male 2.5% 5.3% 2.2% 4.8% 4.2%
Female 3.6% 4.8% 2.4% 5.2% 5.5%
Dropout Rate 2.5% 1.7% 5.1% 7.8% 5.9%
Male 1.9% 1.9% 4.7% 7.1% 11.9%
Female 3.0% 1.6% 5.5% 8.3% 5.5%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.9.5 shows a decrease in the promotion rate from 87.2% to 89.3%. At this level, male students
are being promoted at a higher rate than female students. The repetition rate decreased by 0.2 points
compared to the year before. Female students are failing grades than male students. This indicates
that disruptions to learning have continued to negatively impact students. The dropout rate
decreased from 7.8% to 5.9%.
57
2.10 Number of students completing the level
Data in table 2.9.1 shows a decrease in the total number of students sitting for national exams in
primary school from 250,453 in 2021 down to 227,401 in 2022. More male than Female registered
for the Primary Leaving Examination. The primary national exam pass rate improved from 82.8% in
2021 to 90.7% in 2022 with female candidates (91.3%) outperforming male candidates (90.0%)
Table 2.9.2 shows that 126,950 candidates registered for the national examination in 2022 from
121,337 in 2021, an increase of 5.6 percent points. A total of 108,568 (85.5%) out of 126,950
students who sat for the exams passed. However, there was a slight decrease of 0.9% in the share
of candidates who passed ordinary-level national examinations, from 86.4% in 2019 to 85.5% in
2022. Males (87.9%) candidates outperformed female candidates (83.6%) in the national
examination.
58
Table 2.10.3: Upper secondary national examination results
Indicator/Year 2017 2018 2019 2021 2022
Sat for exams 66,250 68,725 70,218 72,372 71,320
Male 31,700 32,942 33,048 34,402 34,027
Female 34,163 35,783 37,170 37,970 37,293
Passed the exam 59,200 61,758 63,583 66,692 68,476
Male 29,294 30,819 31,118 32,616 33,164
Female 29,906 30,939 32,465 34,076 35,312
National exam pass rate 89.4% 89.9% 90.6% 92.2% 96.0%
Male 92.4% 93.6% 94.2% 94.8% 97.5%
Female 87.5% 86.5% 87.3% 89.7% 94.7%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.10.3 shows a decrease in the total number of students who sat for the national exams from
72,372 in 2021 to 71,320 in 2022. For the national exam pass rate, an increase can be observed
between 2021 and 2022 where the general pass rate was 96% in 2022 compared to 92.2 % in 2021.
At this level, male students outperformed female students.
Table 2.9.4 shows a slight increase in the total number of students who sat for national exams from
46,861 in 2021 to 47,348 in 2022. For the national exam pass rate, a high increase can be observed
between 2021 and 2022 where the general pass rate was 94.7% compared to 89.5% in 2021. At this
level, male students performed better than female.
59
Table 2.10.5: National examination results in TTCs (Y3)
Indicator/Year 2017 2018 2019 2021 2022
Sat for exams 3,009 4,054 4,060 2,988 2,893
Male 1,256 1,556 1,606 1,029 1,145
Female 1,753 2,498 2,454 1,959 1,748
Passed the exam 2,987 3,867 3,975 2,980 2,892
Male 1,249 1,506 1,589 1,026 1,144
Female 1,738 2,361 2,386 1,954 1,748
National exam pass rate 99.3% 95.4% 97.9% 99.7% 100.0%
Male 99.4% 96.8% 98.9% 99.7% 99.9%
Female 99.1% 94.5% 97.2% 99.7% 100.0%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.9.5 shows that the total number of students sitting for national examinations in TTCs
decreased from 2,988 students in 2021 to 2,893 students in 2022. The overall pass rate increased
from 99.7% in 2021 to 99.9% in 2022. Both male and female performed at the same rate.
Data in table 2.9.6 shows that 21,079 candidates registered for national examinations in 2022 from
22,523 in 2021, with a decrease of 1.4 percent points. The number of students who pass national
examinations in TVET increased from 21,768 (96.6%) in 2021 to 21,079 (98.5%) in 2022. There was
an increase of 1.9% this year. Both males and females performed similar.
60
Table 2.10.7: Number of Higher education graduates
DESCRIPTION/YEAR 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2019/20 2020/21
Total graduates in Higher Education 23,635 23,100 20,533 23,246 23,355
Male 12,774 12,718 11,354 13,043 12,897
Female 10,861 10,382 9,179 10,203 10,458
% Male 54.0% 55.1% 55.3% 56.1% 55.2%
% Female 46.0% 44.9% 44.7% 43.9% 44.8%
In Public institutions 10,720 11,140 9,060 12,136 9,333
Male 7,185 7,245 6,039 7,962 6,172
Female 3,535 3,895 3,021 4,174 3,161
% Male 67.0% 65.0% 66.7% 65.6% 66.1%
% Female 33.0% 35.0% 33.3% 34.4% 33.9%
In Private institutions 12,915 11,960 11,473 11,110 14,022
Male 5,589 5,473 5,315 5,081 6,725
Female 7,326 6,487 6,158 6,029 7,297
% Male 43.3% 45.8% 46.3% 45.7% 48.0%
% Female 56.7% 54.2% 53.7% 54.3% 52.0%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.10.7 shows that the number of Higher education graduates increased from 23,246 in
2021/22 to 23,355 in 2021/22. Among the graduated students, private institutions recorded 14,022
students (60%), while public institutions recorded 9,333 students (40%). Female students who
graduated from private institutions (52.0%) outnumber male students (48.0). In public institutions,
male students who graduated make up 66.1%.
61
Table 2.10.8 indicates the number of Polytechnics graduates. Data shows a decrease in the number
of students who graduated from polytechnics. This number decreased from 4,509 graduates in
2019/20 to 4,008 graduates in 2020/21. The decrease is observed in both public and private
polytechnics. Male students are graduating at a higher rate than female students.
Table 2.10.9 shows that the total number of students graduating from the general Higher Education
graduates is 19,347, which represents an increase of 610 graduates from the previous academic
year. The number indicates a higher proportion of males (52.6%) than of males (47.4%) who
graduated from General Higher Education. Private institutions accounted for 66.7% (12,909) of all
graduated students.
62
When comparing the distribution of graduates by exit award, Table 2.10.10 shows that the
undergraduates form the highest share of the 2020/21 tertiary education graduates with 20,069
students (85.9%). The bachelor's degree was the highest with 15,059(64.5%), with Advanced
Diploma, Diploma, and certificates with a share of 3,737(16.0%), 970(4.2%), and 303 (1.3%) students,
respectively. The total number of postgraduates was only 3,286 students (14.1%), with Doctor of
Philosophy accounting for a significantly lower share of 25 students (0.1%).
Table 2.9.11 shows the distribution of graduates by field of education. During the 2020/21 academic
year, a total of 23,355 students graduated from Rwanda’s tertiary education institutions. This was an
increase of 109 graduates from the previous academic year. The highest number (5,516), of
graduates, was recorded from the field of Business, Administration, and Law this was followed by
the field of Engineering, Manufacturing, and construction with 3,533 graduates, and the field of
education with a total of 3,178 graduates. The least was agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and veterinary
with only 818 graduates.
63
Data on STEM graduates in Higher education institutions indicates an increase in the number of
STEM students graduating from the Higher Education Institutions. STEM graduates increase by 234
students in 2020/21. Data shows an increase in the number of STEM students graduating from
private institutions but a decrease in the number of those graduating from public institutions. There
is a considerable difference between the share of female students and male students graduating
from Higher education institutions. STEM female graduates represent only 36.9% of the total STEM
graduates. This denotes the need for improved enrollment and achievements for female students.
Table 2.10.13 illustrates the percentage of STEM graduates in Higher education institutions. Data
indicates an increase of 0.7% in the number of STEM students graduating from the Higher education
institutions. The increase is observed in both public and private Higher education institutions. The
share of female STEM students graduating from the Higher education institutions is low compared
to that of male students.
Table 2.10.14 illustrates the number of adult literacy learners who received their certificates. Data
shows an increase in the number of adult literacy learners who completed the program from 79,200
learners in 2019 to 123,822 learners in 2020/21. The percentage of female learners completing the
adult literacy program is higher than that of male learners.
64
2.11 Students transitioning to the next level
Table 2.11.1: Primary one newly admitted pupil of which attended pre-primary
Indicator 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Number of newly admitted pupils in P1
Total 362,706 415,921 416,163 695,697 459,681
Male 185,916 213,932 214,131 352,573 237,537
Female 176,790 201,989 202,032 343,124 222,144
Number of newly admitted pupils in P1 of which attended Pre-primary
Total 101,912 198,500 211,440 354,620 241,671
Male 51,050 101,536 107,832 188,373 129,933
Female 50,862 96,964 103,608 166,247 111,738
Percentage of newly admitted pupils in P1 of which attended preprimary
Overall 28.1% 47.7% 50.8% 51.0% 52.6%
Male 27.5% 47.5% 50.4% 53.4% 54.7%
Female 28.8% 48.0% 51.3% 48.5% 50.3%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.10.1 shows an increase in the share of newly admitted pupils in P1 who attended pre-primary.
Overall, 52% of newly enrolled in P1 have attended pre-primary schools. This represents an increase
of 1.6%. The ESSP target of 37.9% has been achieved.
Table 2.11.2 shows that the transition rates from primary to lower secondary schools in Rwanda
stood at an average of 66.8% between 2019/20 and 2020/21. The transition rate decreased from
72.2% in 2018/2019 to 66.0% in 2019/2020, before increasing slightly to 66.8% in 2020/21. The
transition rate for males was still the same (about 65%) while it increased for females (from 66.3%
to 68.4%) between 2019/20 and 2020/21. The transition rate for females (68.4%) was 3 points higher
than their male counterparts (65.1%). This shows that we are still far behind the ESSP target of
87.1%.
65
Table 2.11.3: Transition rate from lower to upper secondary
Indicator/Year 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Transition rate (Overall) 85.1% 85.4% 86.1% 77.4% 73.8%
Male 87.2% 88.7% 88.6% 80.3% 74.6%
Female 83.4% 82.5% 83.9% 75.0% 73.1%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.11.3 shows that the Transition rate from lower to upper secondary rate decreased from 85.4%
in 2017/18 to 86.1% in 2018/19 and from 77.4% in 2019/20 to 73.8% in 2020/21. There is a decrease
in the Transition rate from lower to upper secondary for both males and females. However, the
transition rate of females is less than that of males across all four academic years. The ESSP target
of 89.3% by 2019/20 was not achieved.
Table 2.11.4: Percentage of students enrolled in TVET L3 after passing S3 National Exam
Indicator 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Students passed S3 exam in the previous year
Total 79,198 86,837 81,998 99,120 104,871
Male 37,886 41,639 39,443 46,314 48,514
Female 41,312 45,198 42,555 52,806 56,357
Accounting included Acc. excluded
Students registered in TVET L3 in year this year
Total 24,603 28,732 25,885 30,183 30,351 27,410
Male 13,590 16,218 14,459 16,858 16,767 16,261
Female 11,013 12,514 11,426 13,325 13,584 11,149
Percentage of students enrolled in TVET L3
Total 31.1% 33.1% 31.6% 30.5% 28.9% 26.1%
Male 35.9% 38.9% 36.7% 36.4% 34.6% 33.5%
Female 26.7% 27.7% 26.8% 25.2% 24.1% 19.8%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 2.11.4 indicates the increase in the number of students who passed S3 National examination
from 99,120 in 2020 to 104,871 in 2021. Of those who passed the S3 exam, only 26.1% were enrolled
in TVET Level 3. The share of female students enrolled in TVET L3 after passing the S3 exam is low
compared to that of male students.
Table 2.11.5: Transition rate from secondary to Higher education
Indicator 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Students passed S6 exam in the previous year 60,973 59,200 61,758 63,583 66,692
Male 30,787 29,294 30,819 31,118 32,616
Female 30,186 29,906 30,939 32,465 34,076
First-time new entrant students in Higher education in this
28,953 28,939 32,574 40,030 30,070
year
Male 14,575 15,467 17,575 22,256 16,879
Female 14,378 13,472 14,999 17,774 13,191
Transition rate from S6 to Higher education 47.5% 48.9% 52.7% 63.0% 45.1%
Male 47.3% 52.8% 57.0% 71.5% 51.8%
Female 47.6% 45.0% 48.5% 54.7% 38.7%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
66
Table 2.11.5 indicates the increase in the number of students who passed S6 National examination
from 63,583 in 2020 to 66,692 in 2021. Of those who passed S6 exam in 2021, only 30,070
representing 45.1% immediately transitioned to higher education. The transition rate is higher for
male students than for female students.
Table 2.12.1: Boarding and non-boarding students in secondary and TVET level
Description/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total boarding Students 163,479 163,135 171,232 184,691 197,168
Male 80,236 79,673 84,882 89,833 94,686
Female 83,243 83,462 86,350 94,858 102,482
% of Male 49.1% 48.8% 49.6% 48.6% 48.0%
% of Female 50.9% 51.2% 50.4% 51.4% 52.0%
Total non-boarding Students 447,493 495,150 560,872 598,155 616,584
Male 206,309 228,694 256,809 273,381 278,975
Female 241,184 266,456 304,063 324,774 337,609
% of Male 46.1% 46.2% 45.8% 45.7% 45.2%
% of Female 53.9% 53.8% 54.2% 54.3% 54.8%
Percentage of boarding Students 26.8% 24.8% 23.4% 23.6% 24.2%
Male 28.0% 25.8% 24.8% 24.7% 25.3%
Female 25.7% 23.9% 22.1% 22.6% 23.3%
Percentage of non-boarding
73.2% 75.2% 76.6% 76.4% 75.8%
Students
Male 72.0% 74.2% 75.2% 75.3% 74.7%
Female 74.3% 76.1% 77.9% 77.4% 76.7%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Though the number of boarding and non-boarding students increased between 2020/21 and
2021/22, the percentage of boarding students increased from 23.6% to 24.2% while the percentage
of non-boarding students decreased from 76.4% to 75.8% in the same period. Data shows that
percentage of female boarding students is always lower than that of male, and the reverse is
observed for non-boarding students.
67
Table 2.12.2: Number of boarding students in Gen. and prof secondary
Description/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total boarding Students 111,033 111,850 115,080 123,290 139,724
Male 51,324 51,147 52,500 56,071 60,246
Female 59,709 60,703 62,580 67,219 79,478
% of Male 46.2% 45.7% 45.6% 45.5% 43.1%
% of Female 53.8% 54.3% 54.4% 54.5% 56.9%
Students in Public schools 31,247 31,777 32,654 36,681 40,009
Male 15,058 15,021 15,344 17,053 17,669
Female 16,189 16,756 17,310 19,628 22,340
Students in Government-subsidized 52,663 52,673 54,965 55,778 63,742
schools
Male 22,194 21,734 22,506 22,987 26,187
Female 30,469 30,939 32,459 32,791 37,555
Students in Private schools 27,123 27,400 27,461 30,831 35,973
Male 14,072 14,392 14,650 16,031 16,390
Female 13,051 13,008 12,811 14,800 19,583
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
The number of boarding students increased from 123,290 in 2020/21 to 139,724 in 2021/22. Data
shows an increase in the number of boarding students in all categories of schools. The 139,724
general and professional accommodated students represent 19.1% of all students enrolled in this
level (see table 2.1.6 and 2.1.7)
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Table 2.12.3 indicates that 57,444 students were in boarding TVET schools. This number, however,
did not include students who were enrolled in accounting. This could explain the decrease in the
number compared to the year before. Male students are more in TVET boarding schools than female
students. The 57,444 accommodated TVET students represent 68.8% of all students enrolled in this
level (refer to table 2.1.8)
3. SCHOOL STAFF
Human resources remain a critical resource in the achievement of inclusive and equitable quality
education. This section provides details on the number of teachers and administrative staff in the
education sector.
Between 2020/21 and 2021/22 there was an increase in the total number of school staff, rising from
121,646 to 125,621 which represents an increase of 4,476. This number include teaching or
academic staff and administrative staff; but for adult literacy they only have teaching staff called
instructors in this report. The percentage of male and female stands at 51.3% for male and 48.7%
for female. The highest increase is observed in public schools while private schools experienced a
decrease in number of staff, which is linked to observe decrease in number of private schools.
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Table 3.1.2: Number of total school staff in Preprimary, Primary, Secondary and TVET L1-L5
Description/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total school staff 81,133 82,030 84,969 109,178 113,288
Male 42,764 42,823 43,710 53,356 56,181
Female 38,369 39,207 41,259 55,822 57,107
%Male 52.7% 52.2% 51.4% 48.9% 49.6%
%Female 47.3% 47.8% 48.6% 51.1% 50.4%
Staff in Public schools 22,429 22,545 23,696 37,076 40,310
Male 12,476 12,462 12,875 18,354 20,266
Female 9,953 10,083 10,821 18,722 20,044
Staff in Government-subsidized schools 44,595 45,238 46,109 55,469 58,090
Male 22,526 22,557 22,716 25,994 27,702
Female 22,069 22,681 23,393 29,475 30,388
Staff in Private schools 14,109 14,247 15,164 16,633 14,888
Male 7,762 7,804 8,119 9,008 8,213
Female 6,347 6,443 7,045 7,625 6,675
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
In 2021/22 the number of staff in pre-primary, Primary, Secondary and TVET L1-5 increased by 4,110
amounting to 113,288 staff across pre-primary, Primary, Secondary and TVET L1-5 levels. There is
no considerable difference between the number of female staff and male staff. Data indicates a
decrease of 1,745 staff in private schools which could be explained by the decrease in the number
of private schools.
Table 3.1.2 illustrates the number of staff in higher education. Data shows an increase in the number
of staff in higher education from 6,065 staff in 2020/22 to 6,250 staff in 2021/22. There is a slight
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decrease in the number of staff in public higher education institutions and a considerable increase
of 196 staff in private higher education institutions. There is a considerable difference in the number
of female staff and Male staff. Male staff dominated female staff in higher education.
Table 3.2.1 indicates the total number of teaching staff in pre-primary, primary, secondary, and
TVETL1-L5. Data shows an increase of teaching staff in public and government subsidized schools,
but a decrease in number of teaching staff in private schools. In general, the teaching staff increased
by 738 staff. Female staff outnumbered male staff.
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Table 3.2.2: Pre-primary school teaching staff by school's status
Description/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total school teaching staff 6,039 6,280 6,931 8,034 7,351
Male 956 994 1,059 1,154 1,555
Female 5,083 5,286 5,872 6,880 5,796
% Male 15.8% 15.8% 15.3% 14.4% 21.2%
% Female 84.2% 84.2% 84.7% 85.6% 78.8%
Staff in Public schools 706 633 734 1,721 1,903
Male 117 92 104 242 541
Female 589 541 630 1,479 1,362
Staff in Government-subsidized schools 2,103 2,384 2,397 2,542 2,747
Male 362 370 351 284 661
Female 1,741 2,014 2,046 2,258 2,086
Staff in Private schools 3,230 3,263 3,800 3,771 2,701
Male 477 532 604 628 353
Female 2,753 2,731 3,196 3,143 2,348
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 3.2.2 shows that the number of teaching staff at pre-primary decreased from 8,034 in
2020/2021 to 7,351 in 2021/22. The decrease is observed in private schools.
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Table 3.2.4: Number of Gen. and Prof. secondary teaching staff by school status
Description/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total teaching staff 19,268 19,563 19,793 24,403 25,468
Male 13,772 13,883 14,007 16,422 16,937
Female 5,496 5,680 5,786 7,981 8,531
% Male 71.5% 71.0% 70.8% 67.3% 66.5%
% Female 28.5% 29.0% 29.2% 32.7% 33.5%
teaching Staff in Public schools 6,219 6,251 6,370 8,725 9,085
Male 4,413 4,387 4,472 5,821 5,972
Female 1,806 1,864 1,898 2,904 3,113
teaching Staff in Government-subsidized schools 11,578 11,586 11,723 13,913 14,437
Male 8,139 8,088 8,144 9,185 9,387
Female 3,439 3,498 3,579 4,728 5,050
teaching Staff in Private schools 1,471 1,726 1,700 1,765 1,946
Male 1,220 1,408 1,391 1,416 1,578
Female 251 318 309 349 368
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
According to Table 3.2.4, teaching staff at the general and professional secondary level increased
from 24,403 in 2020/2021 to 25,468 in 2021/22. Although there is a continuous increase in the
percentage of female teachers, males still outnumber females. This tables do not include technical
secondary schools as presented in the previous publications.
Table 3.2.5: Number of TVET L1 to L5 teaching staff by school status
Description/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total teaching staff in TVET 4,161 3,741 3,792 4,175 4,151
Male 3,196 2,877 2,896 3,074 2,927
Female 965 864 896 1,101 1,224
% Male 76.8% 76.9% 76.4% 73.6% 70.5%
% Female 23.2% 23.1% 23.6% 26.4% 29.5%
Teaching Staff in Public schools 1,174 1,100 1,180 1,304 1,669
Male 850 842 891 939 1,107
Female 324 258 289 365 562
Teaching Staff in Government-subsidized 551 581 657 788 1,017
schools
Male 424 442 502 579 729
Female 127 139 155 209 288
Teaching Staff in Private schools 2,436 2,060 1,955 2,083 1,465
Male 1,922 1,593 1,503 1,556 1,091
Female 514 467 452 527 374
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
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Table 3.2.5 shows that between 2020/21 and 2021/22 there was an increase of 365 staff in public
schools and 229 staff in government subsidized schools. However, there was a decrease of 618 staff
in private schools, resulting in an overall decrease of 24 staff.
Table 3.2.6 indicates that the number of academic staff at Higher Education Institutions slightly
increased from 4,301 in 2020/2021 to 4,302 in 2021/22. The decrease of 11 academic staff is only
observed in public institutions. There is a notable difference between the number of female
academic staff and male academic staff. The latter dominate the former. Efforts are needed to
ensure female are more represented among the academic staff of the Higher Education Institutions.
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Data on the number of instructors in adult literacy centers indicates an increase in the number of
instructors from 5,902 instructors to 6,083 instructors. Increase in the number of instructors is
recorded in public centers and Government subsidized centers. The number of Instructors in private
centers reduced from 484 in 2020/21 to 295 in 2021/22. This can be attributed to the reduction of
private centers in general.
Pupil teacher ratio shows the average number of pupils per teacher, administrative staff who also
spend some time teaching are not included in the calculation of the pupil-teacher ratio.
The pupil teacher ratio in preprimary still relatively high when compared to the standard of 30:1. The
observed increase from 37:1 in 2020/21 to 48:1 in 2021/22 indicates a significant imbalance
between the number of students and teaching staff. This suggests that there has been a
disproportionate increase in the number of students compared to the number of available teachers.
Such an increase can have implications for the quality of education and individualized attention that
students receive.
The decrease in the pupil-teacher ratio in primary education over the past five years, from 61:1 in
2017 to 44:1 in 2021/22, indicates that there have been efforts to address overcrowding and provide
a more favorable learning environment for students. The progress made in reducing the pupil-teacher
ratio can be attributed to various factors, including the removal of double shift programs, the
construction of additional classrooms, and the provision of relevant teaching and learning materials.
The pupil-teacher ratios in secondary education and Technical and Vocational Education and
Training (TVET) being below the standards of 46:1 and 25:1 respectively indicates that the growth in
the number of students has been relatively slower compared to the increase in the number of
teachers. Learners per instructors in adult literacy stands at 19:1.
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3.3 Administrative staff per school status
Between 2020/21 and 2021/22, there was an increase of 601 administrative staff members, with a
higher number of males compared to females. The distribution of administrative staff across
different types of schools shows that government-subsidized schools have the highest proportion,
accounting for 37.6% of the total administrative staff. Private schools follow closely with a
proportion of 33.9%, while public schools have the lowest proportion at 28.5%.
Table 3.3.2: Administrative staff in Preprimary, primary, secondary and TVET L1 to L5
Description/Year 2017 2018 2019 202/21 2021/22
Total school administrative staff 10,092 10,373 10,575 11,900 13,272
Male 5,942 6,079 6,214 7,039 7,929
Female 4,150 4,294 4,361 4,861 5,343
% Male 58.9% 58.6% 58.8% 59.2% 59.7%
% Female 41.1% 41.4% 41.2% 40.8% 40.3%
Staff in Public schools 2,435 2,531 2,557 3,367 4,064
Male 1,493 1,552 1,569 2,143 2639
Female 942 979 988 1,224 1,425
Staff in Government-subsidized schools 4,466 4,649 4,561 4,717 5,366
Male 2,685 2,788 2,740 2,853 3300
Female 1,781 1,861 1,821 1,864 2,066
Staff in Private schools 3,191 3,193 3,457 3,816 3,842
Male 1,764 1,739 1,905 2,043 1,990
Female 1,427 1,454 1,552 1,773 1,852
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
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In 2021/22, the number of administrative staff in pre-primary, primary, secondary and TVET L1-L5
increased from 11,900 in 2020/21 to 13,929 in 2021/22, representing an increase of 2,029 staff. The
increase of administrative staff is seen in the entire education system. A high share of administrative
staff is male demonstrating a need for more female in leadership position at the school level.
Table 3.3.3 indicates that the number of administrative staff at Higher Education Institutions
increased from 1,764 in 2020/2021 to 1,948 in 2021/22. The increase is seen in private institutions.
There is a notable difference between the number of female staff and male staff in the administration
of higher education institutions. The share of male in the administration of higher education
institutions is higher than that of female.
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3.4 School staff by qualification
In 2021/22, the qualification distribution of preprimary staff indicates that the majority, 83.7%, hold
the advanced secondary certificate, which is the minimum requirement for this level. Additionally,
15% possess a higher degree, while 1.3% have a degree below the minimum requirement. Notably,
there has been a decreasing trend in the number of staff with a degree below the minimum
requirement, reducing from 1006 in 2017 to 119 in 2021/22. This highlights a positive improvement
in the qualifications of preprimary staff over the years.
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Table 3.4.2: Number of primary staff by qualification
Description/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total primary staff 43,906 44,544 46,325 63,580 66,559
PhD 2 3 2 1 3
Male - 1 1 - 1
Female 2 2 1 1 2
Masters 24 27 35 61 85
Male 13 14 16 37 50
Female 11 13 19 24 35
Bachelors 598 754 792 1,047 2,956
Male 351 441 463 618 1,582
Female 247 313 329 429 1,374
Diploma (A1) 350 298 380 383 1,316
Male 224 204 254 244 804
Female 126 94 126 139 512
Advanced secondary certificate (A2) 42,155 42,859 44,505 61,421 62,070
Male 19,310 19,501 19,953 26,201 26,494
Female 22,845 23,358 24,552 35,220 35,576
Others 777 603 611 667 129
Male 476 378 379 375 60
Female 301 225 232 292 69
Source: School census, Ministry of education
During the 2021/22 school year, the qualification distribution of primary staff reveals that the
majority, 93.3%, possess the advanced secondary certificate, meeting the minimum requirement for
this level. Additionally, 6.6% hold a higher degree, while 0.2% have a degree below the minimum
requirement. Remarkably, there has been a significant increase of 16,916 staff in 2020/21, indicating
the recruitment of new teachers to address overcrowding in classrooms, as well as to accommodate
the newly constructed classrooms. This increase demonstrates a proactive response to reduce
classroom overcrowding and ensure a conducive learning environment for students.
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Table 3.4.3: Number of gen. and prof. secondary staff by qualification
Description/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total Gen. and Prof. secondary staff 24,561 25,143 25,498 30,566 31,999
PhD 14 14 16 10 13
Male 13 13 14 8 10
Female 1 1 2 2 3
Masters 143 131 129 98 234
Male 119 102 92 78 190
Female 24 29 37 20 44
Bachelors 13,138 13,338 13,800 17,868 17,504
Male 9,428 9,398 9,729 12,199 11,818
Female 3,710 3,940 4,071 5,669 5,686
Diploma (A1) 6,514 6,650 6,694 9,614 11,401
Male 4,631 4,677 4,671 6,225 7,435
Female 1,883 1,973 2,023 3,389 3,966
Secondary diploma (A2) 4,701 4,960 4,793 2,816 2,760
Male 2,639 2,919 2,800 1,467 1,396
Female 2,062 2,041 1,993 1,349 1,364
Others 51 50 66 160 87
Male 29 34 40 92 41
Female 22 16 26 68 46
Source: School census, Ministry of education
In the school year 2021/22, among the general and professional secondary staff, 54.7% hold
bachelor's degrees, which is the minimum requirement for teaching in upper secondary. Meanwhile,
35.6% have diplomas, which meet the minimum requirement for teaching in lower secondary.
Additionally, 0.8% possess higher degrees, while 8.9% have degrees below the minimum
requirement.
It is essential to investigate the reasons for the presence of staff with lower degrees in secondary
education and staff with higher degrees in primary education. This examination is necessary to
determine if there is potential for these staff members to switch positions and meet the minimum
qualification criteria for their respective teaching levels.
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Table 3.4.4: Number of TVET L1_L5 staff by qualification
Description/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total TVET staff 5,854 5,165 5,281 5,720 5,828
PhD 1 4 3 3 3
Male 1 3 2 3 3
Female - 1 1 - -
Masters 43 57 66 62 84
Male 36 44 57 51 72
Female 7 13 9 11 12
Bachelors 2,194 2,287 2,399 2,587 2,524
Male 1,525 1,687 1,777 1,881 1,750
Female 669 600 622 706 774
Diploma (A1) 1,338 1,254 1,240 1,621 1,775
Male 1,084 1,023 1,014 1,323 1,404
Female 254 231 226 298 371
Advanced secondary certificate (A2) 1,921 1,226 1,225 1,145 1,300
Male 1,338 744 681 589 661
Female 583 482 544 556 639
Others 357 337 348 302 142
Male 180 183 214 137 67
Female 177 154 134 165 75
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
In the 2021/22 school year, the distribution of staff in TVET L1_5 shows that 1.5% hold master's and
PhD degrees. Furthermore, 43.3% possess a bachelor's degree, which is the minimum requirement
for teaching in TVET L3_5. Additionally, 30.5% hold a diploma, 22.3% hold the advanced secondary
certificate, and 2.4% have a degree below the advanced secondary certificate.
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Table 3.4.5: Number of Higher education staff by qualification
Qualification/Year 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2020/21 2020/21
Total staff in HE 6,271 6,335 6,610 6,065 6,250
PhDs 736 857 951 1,027 1,169
Male 631 753 836 881 994
Female 105 104 115 146 175
Masters 2,704 2,545 2,584 2,507 2,515
Male 2,058 1,958 1,961 1,909 1901
Female 646 587 623 598 614
Bachelors 1,851 1,977 2,128 1,818 1,891
Male 1,239 1,345 1,455 1,240 1262
Female 612 632 673 578 629
Below Bachelors 980 956 947 713 675
Male 724 702 669 547 508
Female 256 254 278 166 167
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 3.5.5 shows that the total number of academic staff in HEIs increased from 6,065 in 2020/21
to 6,583 in 2021/22. A decrease in academic staff has been observed among staff with less than a
bachelor's degree which decreased from 713 in 2020/21 to 675 staff in 2021/22. Most of the
academic staff (2848) have master’s degrees representing 43.3%. The number of academic staff
with Ph.D. increased from 1,027 in 2020/21 to 1,169 in 2021/22 representing an increase of 13.8%.
The trend is to upgrade to the higher qualification so that more PhDs are teaching at higher
education.
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Table 3.5.6 shows that the number of academic staff in higher education decreased for all
qualifications except for Ph.D. holders. Which shows that more academic staff are upgrading to PhD.
The number of academic staff with Ph.D. increased from 976 in 2020/21 to 1,083 in 2021/22
representing a considerable increase of 11%. Academic Staff with master’s degrees are still
predominant with a percentage of 49.0% of all academic staff in 2020/21 while PhDs academic staff
holders represent 25.2%.
Table 3.5.8 shows the number of Higher education administrative staff by level of education.
Bachelor’s degree had a total of 1,071 staff constituting 55.0% and was the highest among all the
levels. Master’s was the second highest with 741 (20.9%) staff. A total of 383 (19.7%) administrative
staff with Below Bachelor and only 86 (4.4%) staff with a Doctor of Philosophy. Females tend to be
under-represented in the number of administrative staff at all levels of education.
A qualified teacher is an educator who has met specific educational requirements and possesses
the necessary qualifications to teach in a specific subject or grade level. The Ministerial Order Nº
001/MINEDUC/2021 outlines the standards for education in Rwanda. In pre-primary and primary
schools, staff members are required to hold at least an advanced secondary certificate in a related
field of teaching. In secondary education, teachers should have a diploma for ordinary level and a
bachelor's degree for advanced level. For TVET, trainers must have at least a relevant TVET
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certificate, or a degree aligned with the Rwanda Qualifications Framework. In universities and
polytechnics, it is recommended that at least 30% of academic staff hold a PhD degree.
Table 3.5.1 indicates that 98.7% of Preprimary teachers meet the minimum requirement of having at
least an advanced secondary certificate. Qualified Male teachers represent 99.2% compared to
98.6% of qualified female teachers. The number of unqualified teaching staff is decreasing, with 92
unqualified teaching staff in 2021/22. This reduction reflects efforts to improve the qualifications
and expertise of teachers, aiming to enhance the quality of preprimary education.
Data on qualified staff in primary schools indicates that 99.8% of staff are qualified to teach in
primary schools. This means that they have the minimum qualifications required to teach at primary
level. The number of unqualified teaching staff decreased from 668 in 2017 to 109 in 2021/22.
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Table 3.5.3: Qualified teaching staff in gen. and prof. secondary education
Indicator/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Qualified teaching staff 16,117 16,139 16,566 23,051 23,968
Qualified Male teaching staff 11,644 11,549 11,805 15,491 16,021
Qualified Female teaching staff 4,473 4,590 4,761 7,560 7,947
% of Qualified teaching staff 83.6% 82.5% 83.7% 94.5% 94.1%
% of Qualified Male teaching staff 84.5% 83.2% 84.3% 94.3% 94.6%
% Qualified Female teaching staff 81.4% 80.8% 82.3% 94.7% 93.2%
Unqualified teaching staff 3,151 3,424 3,227 1,352 1,500
Unqualified Male teaching staff 2,128 2,334 2,202 931 916
Unqualified Female teaching staff 1,023 1,090 1,025 421 584
% of unqualified teaching staff 16.4% 17.5% 16.3% 5.5% 5.9%
% of unqualified Male teaching staff 15.5% 16.8% 15.7% 5.7% 5.4%
% unqualified Female teaching staff 18.6% 19.2% 17.7% 5.3% 6.8%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
The minimum qualification required to teach at general and secondary education is to have diploma
for lower secondary and bachelor’s degree for upper secondary. The percentage of qualified teaching
teacher at this level stands at 94.1%.
The percentage of qualified teaching staff has steadily increased over the years, reaching 76.8% in
2021/22. The proportion of qualified male teaching staff has consistently been higher than that of
qualified female teaching staff. In 2021/22, 82.4% of male teaching staff were qualified, compared
to 63.6% of female teaching staff. The percentage of unqualified teaching staff has decreased from
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41.1% in 2017 to 23.2% in 2021/22. Overall, there has been a positive trend in the qualifications of
teaching staff in TVET education, with an increasing percentage of qualified staff and a decreasing
percentage of unqualified staff.
The number of academic staff holding a PhD degree in higher education has experienced a notable
increase, rising from 16.9% in 2017 to 25.2% in 2021/22. However, the target set by the Education
Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) to reach 25.9% by 2021/22 was not fully met. Further efforts are
necessary to achieve the upcoming target of 27.7% by 2023/24. It is worth noting that the proportion
of male PhD holders (26.5%) exceeds that of female PhD holders (19.7%). Additional measures and
initiatives should be implemented to reach the desired benchmark of at least 30% of academic staff
holding a PhD degree.
These ratios indicate the average number of students per qualified teacher in each education level.
Data shows a peak increase in the pupil qualified teacher ratio from 39 in 2020/21 to 49 in 2021/22.
This means that more qualified teachers are needed in Preprimary. The decreasing ratios in Primary
education suggest efforts to improve the student-teacher ratio for better educational outcomes. The
ratio for secondary and TVET remain relatively stable.
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3.6 Trained teaching staff
A trained teacher is someone who has undergone training or professional development to enhance
their teaching skills and knowledge. This training can be obtained through pre-service or in-service
programs offered by recognized educational institutions. While qualified teachers meet the required
educational qualifications to teach, trained teachers have pursued additional training to improve their
teaching practices or acquire new instructional techniques. In essence, trained teachers possess the
minimum required qualifications in education and have sought further professional development to
enhance their teaching abilities.
n 2021/22, there was a notable increase in the number of trained teachers in preprimary schools,
with the figure rising from 3,498 in the previous year to 3,854. This represents a gain of 357 trained
teachers. Furthermore, the proportion of trained teachers in preprimary schools saw an increase
from 43.5% to 52.4% in 2021/22. Despite this positive trend, there remains a need for additional
teacher training to provide pedagogical skills to the 3,497 untrained teachers in preprimary
education.
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Table 3.6.2: Trained teaching staff in Primary education
Indicator/year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Trained teaching staff 38,788 39,717 41,711 46,193 47,947
Trained Male teaching staff 17,386 17,722 18,373 19,229 20,089
Trained Female teaching staff 21,402 21,995 23,338 26,964 27,858
% of Trained teaching staff 93.3% 94.4% 95.1% 76.1% 76.1%
% of Trained Male teaching staff 92.0% 93.3% 94.1% 74.9% 74.9%
% Trained Female teaching staff 94.4% 95.3% 95.9% 77.0% 76.9%
Untrained teaching staff 2,785 2,356 2,167 14,473 15,099
Untrained Male teaching staff 1,512 1,268 1,161 6,438 6,744
Untrained Female teaching staff 1,273 1,088 1,006 8,035 8,355
% of untrained teaching staff 6.7% 5.6% 4.9% 23.9% 23.9%
% of untrained Male teaching staff 8.0% 6.7% 5.9% 25.1% 25.1%
% untrained Female teaching staff 5.6% 4.7% 4.1% 23.0% 23.1%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
In 2021/22, there was a significant increase in the number of trained teachers in primary schools,
with the count rising from 46,193 in the previous year to 47,947. This represents a gain of 1,754
trained teachers. The proportion of trained teachers in primary schools currently stands at 76.1%.
However, there is still a considerable challenge in terms of equipping the 15,099 untrained staff
members with the necessary pedagogical skills. The process of training such a large number of
untrained teachers will require a significant amount of time and resources. In 2020, due to the
shortage of trained teachers, new teachers with the required qualifications but without educational
qualifications were employed to fill the newly constructed classrooms.
Table 3.6.3: Trained teaching staff in Gen. and prof. Secondary education
Indicator/year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Trained teaching staff 12,432 13,241 14,311 21,252 21,751
Trained Male teaching staff 8,869 9,369 10,107 14,178 14,389
Trained Female teaching staff 3,563 3,872 4,204 7,074 7,362
% of Trained teaching staff 64.5% 67.7% 72.3% 87.1% 85.4%
% of Trained Male teaching staff 64.4% 67.5% 72.2% 86.3% 85.0%
% Trained Female teaching staff 64.8% 68.2% 72.7% 88.6% 86.3%
Untrained teaching staff 6,836 6,322 5,482 3,151 3,717
Untrained Male teaching staff 4,903 4,514 3,900 2,244 2,548
Untrained Female teaching staff 1,933 1,808 1,582 907 1,169
% of untrained teaching staff 35.5% 32.3% 27.7% 12.9% 14.6%
% of untrained Male teaching staff 35.6% 32.5% 27.8% 13.7% 15.0%
% untrained Female teaching staff 35.2% 31.8% 27.3% 11.4% 13.7%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
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In 2021/22, there was an increase of 499 trained teaching staff in general and professional
secondary education, bringing the total count from 21,252 in the previous year to 21,751. Currently,
85.4% of the teaching staff in general and professional secondary education are trained teachers,
while the remaining 14.6% are untrained. To further enhance the quality of education, it is important
to provide in-service training to 3,717 teaching staff. This training will equip them with the necessary
pedagogical skills and help improve their teaching practices.
Obtaining trained teachers in TVET is challenging mainly because of limited availability of trained
candidates and competing job opportunities. There is a shortage of individuals with the necessary
qualifications and skills to become TVET teachers. As illustrated in table 3.6.4, the percentage of
trained teachers stands at 31.1%. There is a need to provide in-service training for 2,860 untrained
teacher in TVET.
Table 3.6.5: Number of adult literacy instructors who received in service training.
Indicator/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Instructors receiving in service training 3,804 3,525 3,685 3,399 4,829
Trained Male Instructors 2,386 2,173 2,286 2,006 2,889
Trained Female Instructors 1,418 1,352 1,399 1,393 1,940
% of Trained Instructors 60.5% 58.1% 59.9% 57.6% 79.4%
% of Trained Male Instructors 59.6% 56.9% 60.1% 55.5% 81.0%
% Trained Female Instructors 62.2% 60.1% 59.6% 60.8% 77.1%
Untrained Instructors 2,483 2,547 2,467 2,503 1,254
Untrained Male Instructors 1,620 1,649 1,518 1,606 679
Untrained Female Instructors 863 898 949 897 575
% of untrained Instructors 39.5% 41.9% 40.1% 42.4% 20.6%
% of untrained Male Instructors 40.4% 43.1% 39.9% 44.5% 19.0%
% untrained Female Instructors 37.8% 39.9% 40.4% 39.2% 22.9%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
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Table 3.6.5 shows that there is an increase in the number of adult literacy instructors who received
in-service training from 3,399 in 2020/21 to 4,829 in 2021/22. This is linked to the increase in the
number of adult literacy centres and the reopening of training centres after the COVID-19 pandemic
crisis.
Table 3.6.7 provides data on the pupil trained teacher ratio across different education levels. It
highlights a shortage of trained teachers in pre-primary and TVET. The pupil trained teacher ratio in
primary education remains relatively high, indicating a need for more trained teachers. However,
there is a promising trend of a constant decrease in this ratio, which suggests efforts are being made
to reduce the pupil trained teacher ratio and improve the situation in primary education.
The data presented in Table 3.6.7 shows the Gender Parity Index (GPI) for trained teachers in various
education levels. The GPI for pre-primary and primary trained teachers remains constant at 1.0,
indicating equal representation of males and females. Similarly, the GPI for general and professional
secondary trained teachers is also 1.0. However, there is a slight decline in the GPI for TVET trained
teachers from 1.1 to 0.9. The GPI for PhD holders in higher education and trained adult literacy
instructors remains relatively stable.
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4. ICT, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The table 4.1.1 indicates that the use of ICT in teaching and learning increased from 11.4% in
2020/21 to 44% in 2021/22 in the schools with pre-primary level. A slight increase is seen in the
schools with primary level from 46.3% in 202/21 to 46.7% in 2021/22. An improvement in the use of
ICT in teaching and learning is seen in the schools with secondary level with an increase of 0.8%.
The provision of ICT equipment to schools and the teacher training in the use ICT could explain the
increase.
A decrease of 10.6% in the use of ICT in teaching and learning is observed in the schools with TVET
level. This decrease can be attributed to the fact that newly constructed schools with TVET level
were yet to be equipped with computers or to be connected to the internet. Some teachers could
also have limited skills in the use of ICT for teaching and learning.
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4.2 ICT, Science, and technology facilities
The percentage of schools with smart classrooms stands at 23.1%. In the schools with primary
level, secondary level and TVET level, the percentage stands at 20.3%, 45.3% and 36.0% respectively.
This is still below the 2021/22 ESSP target of 66.2% for primary, 64.8% for secondary and 54.2% for
TVET. This is partly due to the fact that new schools which were constructed have not yet been
equipped with ICT devices or connected to the internet.
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Table 4.2.2. illustrates the number of schools with computer laboratories. Data indicates an increase
in number of schools with computer laboratories from 1,004 schools in 2020/21 to 1,302 schools in
2021/22. Overall, 26.9% of schools have computer laboratories. Computer laboratories increased
greatly from 9.1% in 2020/21 to 21.5% in 2021/22 in schools with primary level. An increase in the
number of computer laboratories is also seen in schools with secondary and TVET levels.
Table 4.2.3 displays data indicating a noteworthy decline in the number of secondary schools
equipped with science laboratories. The percentage of schools with such facilities decreased from
14.9% in 2020/21 to 8.6% in 2021/22.
This reduction can be attributed to the conversion of classrooms into temporary science laboratories
due to resource constraints. As the student population increased, the need for additional classrooms
took precedence over dedicated laboratory spaces. Consequently, the temporary science labs have
now been reverted back to classrooms to accommodate the growing number of students.
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Table 4.2.4: Internet connectivity in schools
Level of education 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total number of schools with Internet connectivity 1,009 1,702 2,019 2,093 2,743
Schools with Preprimary level 135 276 302 471 1,997
Schools with Primary level 723 873 1,029 1,173 2,071
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 571 701 862 947 1,432
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 76 213 227 233 328
Total number of schools without Internet connectivity 3,710 2,869 2,687 3,051 2,099
Schools with Preprimary level 3,051 2,934 3,099 3,270 1,811
Schools with Primary level 2,154 2,036 1,932 2,518 1,760
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 996 715 590 922 523
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 309 137 104 111 94
Percentage of schools with Internet connectivity 21.4% 37.2% 42.9% 40.7% 56.7%
% Schools with Preprimary level 4.2% 8.6% 8.9% 12.6% 52.4%
% Schools with Primary level 25.1% 30.0% 34.8% 31.8% 54.1%
% Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 36.4% 49.5% 59.4% 50.7% 73.2%
% Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 19.7% 60.9% 68.6% 67.7% 77.7%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
The table 4.2.4 shows that the number of schools with internet connectivity has increased from
2,093 in 2020/21 to 2,743 in 2021/22, which is an increase of 31%. In schools with pre-primary level
internet connectivity increased from 12.6% in 2020/21 to 52.4% in 2021/22. In the schools with
primary level from 31.8% in 2020/21 to 54.1% in 2021/22, which is below the target of 64.3% as set
in the ESSP for 2021/22. Similarly, for schools with general and professional secondary, internet
connectivity increased from 50.7% in 2020/21 to 73.3% in 2021/22, which is above the ESSP target
of 69.4% by 2021/22. For schools with TVET L1-L5 level, internet connectivity increased from 67.7%
in 2020/21 to 77.7% in 2021/22. This is below the ESSP target of 82.0% in 2021/22
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4.3 ICT, Science, and technology equipment
Table 4.3.2 indicates that on average 66.6% of the total schools have Science kits. Schools with
Science kits increased from 1,820 schools to 3,224 schools, indicating an increase of 1,404 schools
receiving projectors in 2021/22. Data shows that 80.4% of schools with Gen. and prof. secondary
level has Science kits, 51.9% of the schools with TVET L1-5 have Science kits, 70.0% of the schools
with primary level have Science kits, and only 67.8% of the schools with preprimary level have Science
kits
Table 4.3.2: projectors in schools
Level of education 2020/21 2021/22
Number of schools with projectors 1,034 1,088
Schools with Primary level 612 754
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 1,029 1,042
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 246 252
Number of schools without projectors 4,110 3,754
Schools with Primary level 3,079 3,077
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 840 916
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 98 170
Percentage of schools with projectors 20.1% 22.5%
% of Schools with Primary level 16.6% 19.7%
% Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 55.1% 53.2%
% Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 71.5% 59.7%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
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Table 4.3.2 indicates that on average 22.5% of the total schools have projectors. Schools with
projectors increased from 1,034 schools to 1,088 schools, indicating an increase of 54 schools
receiving projectors in 2021/22. Data shows that 53.2% of schools with Gen. and prof. secondary
level have projectors, 59.7% of the schools with TVET L1-5 have projectors and only 19.7% of the
schools with primary level have projectors.
Table 4.3.3 indicates that on average 9.7% of the total schools have smartboard. The number of
schools with smartboard increased from 416 schools to 472 schools, indicating an increase of 56
schools getting smartboard in 2021/22. Data shows that 17.1% of schools with Gen. and prof.
secondary level have smartboard, 25.1% of the schools with TVET L1-5 have smartboard and only
7.3% of the schools with primary level have smartboard.
4.4 Computers
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Table 4.4.2: Computers for learners
Levels of education 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total computers for learners 324,985 346,327 372,483 334,021 406,776
In Primary 234,409 243,494 247,756 217,362 276,832
In General, and Prof. secondary 58,282 71,587 79,649 72,862 87,367
In TVET L1_L5 8,851 8,930 9,795 9,270 11,162
In Polytechnics 3,726 3,374 6,014 3,700 2,632
In General, Higher education 19,717 18,942 29,269 30,827 27,065
Ratio: students per computer 10 9 9 11 9
In Primary 11 10 10 13 10
In General, and Prof. secondary 9 8 8 10 8
In TVET L1_L5 9 9 8 9 7
In Polytechnics 3 4 2 4 5
In General, Higher education 4 4 2 2 3
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 4.4.2 indicates that a total number of 406,776 computers was recorded in schools which
increased from 334,021 in 2020/21. This increase also improved the ratio of users sharing one
computer. There were 10 pupils in primary education (10:1) on average sharing a computer compared
to 8 pupils in general and professional secondary (8:1). The student-per-computer ratio also
improved in TVET L1_L5 schools from 9 students to one computer (9:1) to seven students sharing
one computer (7:1). However, in polytechnics and in general, Higher education’s computer ratio is
one computer per five students (5:1) and one computer per three students (3:1), respectively. At the
last two levels, Students can access computers in the library or departmental or faculty computer
labs, when free.
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Table 4.4.3 above shows that in 2021/22, the number of computers for teaching/academic staff
increased from 22,075 in 2020/21 to 24,591 in 2021/22. A decrease in the number of computers for
teaching/academic staff was recorded in primary, polytechnics, and in general Higher education. The
TVET L1_L5 and in general higher education’s computer ratio is one computer per staff (1:1). On
average 14 staff in the primary level share a single computer (14:1) compared to 2 in general
secondary (2:1) and 5 in polytechnics (5:1). The table highlights the need to train and sensitize
school managers at primary school level on the proper way to store, maintain and repair computers
and to have a strong replacement plan based on computer lifespan. There is also a need to increase
the number of computers used by teaching staff at the primary level to enhance teachers' teaching
quality and students' learning achievement.
Table 4.4.4 shows that the number of computers for teaching staff increased from 10,157 in 2020/21
to 12,648 in 2021/22 and the number of computers has increased in all levels of education. The ratio
of teaching staff to computers across all levels of education is 1 computer per teaching (1:1) staff
except for TVET L1_L5 where two staff had to share 1 computer (2:1).
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Table 4.4.5: Availability of computers to schools
Level of education 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Overall number of schools with computer 2,256 2,774 3,121 3,339 4,682
Schools with Preprimary level 303 351 454 622 3,660
Schools with Primary level 1,991 2,195 2,468 2,768 3,749
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 1,185 1,207 1,250 1,549 1,951
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 142 249 273 293 420
Overall number of schools without any computer 2,463 1,797 1,585 1,805 160
Schools with Preprimary level 2,883 2,859 2,947 3,119 148
Schools with Primary level 886 714 493 923 82
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 382 209 202 320 7
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 243 101 58 51 2
Percentage of schools with computer 47.8% 60.7% 66.3% 64.9% 96.7%
Schools with Preprimary level 9.5% 10.9% 13.3% 16.6% 96.1%
Schools with Primary level 69.2% 75.5% 83.4% 75.0% 97.9%
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 75.6% 85.2% 86.1% 82.9% 99.6%
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 36.9% 71.1% 82.5% 85.2% 99.5%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 4.4.5 indicates that on average 96.7% of the total schools have at least one computer. This
means that 160 schools have no access to at least one computer. Schools with access to at least
one computer increased from 3,339 schools to 4,682 schools, indicating an increase of 1,343
schools receiving computers in 2021/22. Data shows that 99.6.2% of schools with Gen. and prof.
secondary level have at least one computer, 99.5% of the schools with TVET L1-5 have at least one
computer19.7% of the schools with primary level have projectors.
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5. BOOKS AND TEXTBOOKS
Table 5.1.1 shows that there is a shortage of student books in preprimary schools. Pre-primary
education shows the highest ratio of 14:1, which can be attributed to the fact that children at this
early age primarily learn through play before engaging in more intensive reading activities.
Table 5.1.2 shows that there is an increase in students’ books for all subjects. A considerable
increase is seen for Mathematic books from 1,691,881 in 2020/21 to 2,484,150 in 2021/22 which
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presents an increase of 46.8% and reduced the Pupil-book ratio from 1 book to two students (2:1) to
one book per student (1:1).
Table 5.1.3 shows the number of textbooks distributed in lower secondary schools. Data indicates
an increase in the number of students textbooks for all subjects. The 1:1 Pupil book Ratio for lower
secondary education has not been achieved. Distribution of Kinyarwanda, Entrepreneurship, French
and ICT textbooks should be prioritized.
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Table 5.1.4: Students books in science combinations by Subject
Subjects 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Number of books
Chemistry 50,127 50,806 49,109 49,774
Physics 35,744 38,867 36,653 39,855
Biology 29,543 29,599 31,257 32,162
Mathematics 24,773 27,002 27,254 29,706
Entrepreneurship 29,716 28,614 29,289 30,375
Economics 21,402 21,786 17,988 18,311
Geography 22,589 22,841 20,450 20,678
Computer Science 17,690 21,078 17,706 17,985
Average ratio in science combination 3 3 4 4
Chemistry 2 2 2 2
Physics 3 3 3 2
Biology 3 3 3 3
Mathematics 3 3 3 3
Entrepreneurship 3 3 3 3
Economics 4 4 5 5
Geography 4 4 5 5
Computer Science 5 5 5 6
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 5.1.4 shows a gap in the textbook for science combinations compared to the national
standards, (1:1). Chemistry and physics have a ratio of 2 textbooks per student while the ratio for
Economics, Geography, and Kinyarwanda, computer science, English, and French is greater than 4:1.
Subjects with the pupils-book ratio which is greater than 3:1 are considered high and need to be
improved specifically on core subject.
Table 5.1.5: Students books in humanities combinations by subject
Subjects 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Number of books
Geography 24,702 26,178 26,459 28,040
Economics 20,668 21,861 23,399 24,750
Entrepreneurship 18,908 18,695 20,004 20,592
History and Citizenship 13,335 15,464 17,688 20,512
General Studies and Communication 6,276 5,890 9,092 9,651
Kinyarwanda 5,042 5,788 6,016 6,906
English 3,334 4,233 5,181 6,578
Average ratio in Humanities 4 4 3 4
Geography 1 1 1 2
Economics 2 2 1 2
Entrepreneurship 2 2 2 2
History and Citizenship 2 2 2 2
General Studies and Communication 5 6 4 5
Kinyarwanda 6 6 6 7
English 9 8 7 7
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
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Table 5.1.5 shows an increase in the number of students textbooks in humanities combinations.
Increase is seen in all subjects with a considerable increase in geography and history and citizenship
textbooks. The same table shows that the 1:1 Pupil book Ratio for secondary education has not been
achieved. Despite the increase in the number of textbooks, the pupil book ratio decreased for all
subjects. This could be due to the high enrollment of students in humanities courses.
Table 5.1.6 indicates an increase in the number of students textbooks in languages’ combinations.
A notable increase is observed in the number of Kinyarwanda textbooks and general studies and
communication textbooks. Data shows that pupil book ratio 1:1 has been achieved for Kinyarwanda,
English and Kiswahili subjects. There is a high pupil book ratio for entrepreneurship and general
studies and communication subjects. Distribution of textbooks in languages combinations should
prioritize on two subjects.
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Table 5.1.7: Students books in TTC’s combinations by subject
Subjects 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Number of books
French 4,832 2,964 4,162 5,844
English 3,694 3,451 3,426 3,451
Kinyarwanda 3,057 2,012 2,767 3,805
Geography 2,737 2,406 2,138 2,376
Physics 1,305 1,055 1,315 1,639
Biology 1,669 1,648 1,853 2,084
Foundation of Education 2,438 1,486 2,119 1,939
Mathematics 2,188 1,408 2,006 2,363
Average ratio in TTCs 4 5 5 5
French 2 3 3 2
English 2 3 3 3
Kinyarwanda 3 5 4 3
Geography 4 4 6 5
Physics 7 9 9 7
Biology 6 6 6 6
Foundation of Education 4 6 5 6
Mathematics 4 7 5 5
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 5.1.7 shows that there is an increase in the number of students’ books in TTC’s combinations
for all subjects. Geography, Mathematics, Foundation of Education, Biology and Physics subjects
have a pupil-book ratio greater than 3:1 which shows that the is a need to increase the number of
books in all subjects. The ratio for physics book subjects decreased from 9 students to 7 students
sharing one book.
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6. ENERGY, WATER AND SANITATION
Section six concentrates on the availability of electricity: on grid and off grid; water: water supply,
rainwater, and drinking water; toilets in schools at various levels of education.
Table 6.1.1 shows that the number of schools connected to the electrical grid increased from 3,819
in 2020/21 to 3,916 in 2021/22, registering a 2.5% increase in schools connected to the electrical
grid. The number of schools with pre-primary levels with on-grid electricity supply increased from
2,147(57.4%) in 2020/21 to 3,016(79.2%) in 2021/22. A total of 2,460(66.6%) schools with the
primary level in 2020/21 were connected to the electrical grid and have increased to 2,995(78.2%) in
2021/22. However, a decrease of 6.3 was recorded in the number of schools with TVET L1-L5 levels
connected to the electrical grid between 2020/21 and 2021/22. This can be explained by the fact
that new schools with TVET L1-L5 levels which were constructed have not yet been connected to the
electrical grid.
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6.2 Off grid electricity
Table 6.1.2 shows that the number of schools with solar power doubled from 758 in 2020/21 to
1,589 in 2021/22, which is an increase of 110%. The proportion of schools with pre-primary level that
have solar power increased from 9.5% in 2020/21 to 34.1% in 2021/22. In the schools with primary-
level solar power increased from 18.8% in 2020/21 to 35.6% in 2021/22. Similarly, for schools with
general and professional secondary, solar power increased from 18.7% in 2020/21 to 38.5% in
2021/22. For schools with TVET L1-L5 level, solar power increased from 11.9% in 2020/21 to 27.3%
in 2021/22.
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Table 6.2.2: Electric power generator in schools
ELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Overall number of schools with 545 842 885 762 1,282
Schools with Preprimary level 78 120 124 144 832
Schools with Primary level 138 159 169 144 850
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 281 274 281 240 647
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 81 158 154 133 187
Overall number of schools without 4,174 3,729 3,821 4,382 3,560
Schools with Preprimary level 3,108 3,090 3,277 3,597 2,976
Schools with Primary level 2,739 2,750 2,792 3,547 2,981
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 1,286 1,142 1,171 1,629 1,308
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 304 192 177 211 235
Percentage of schools with 11.6% 18.4% 18.8% 14.8% 26.5%
Schools with Preprimary level 2.4% 3.7% 3.6% 3.8% 21.8%
Schools with Primary level 4.8% 5.5% 5.7% 3.9% 22.2%
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 17.9% 19.4% 19.4% 12.8% 33.1%
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 21.0% 45.1% 46.5% 38.7% 44.3%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 6.2.2 shows that the number of schools with electric power generators increased from 762 in
2020/21 to 1,282 in 2021/22, registering a 68.2% increase. Both schools with pre-primary levels and
those with the primary level which have electric power generators almost sextuple in numbers.
Schools with general and professional secondary levels having electric power generators doubled
from 240 in 2020/21 to 502 in 2021/22. The higher percentage of schools having electric power
generators are those with TVET L1-L5 levels (44.3%). Schools use electric power generators
temporally during on-grid electricity cut-offs.
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Table 6.2.3 shows that a few schools use a biogas system as an alternative source of energy but the
main source of energy in schools remains on grid electricity. Overall, there are only 63 schools with
a biogas system. The percentage of schools with biogas systems has increased from 1.0% in
2020/21 to 1.3% in 2021/22. Schools with general and professional secondary levels which have
biogas systems present 3.9%.
6.3 Water
Table 6.1.1 shows that the number of schools with a tap water supply increased from 3,419 in
2020/21 to 3,950 in 2021/22. The share of schools with Preprimary levels that have access to tap
water stands at 80.3%, which is equivalent to a 34% increase compared to 2020/21. Tap water supply
in schools with a primary level increased by 19.8% between 2020/21 and 2021/22 and currently
stands at 80.1%. The number of schools with general and professional secondary levels that have
tap water supply increased from 69.4% in 2020/21 to 85.9% in 2021/22. A slight decrease of 0.9 was
recorded in the number of schools with TVET L1-L5 levels that have tap water supply between
2020/21 and 2021/22. All decreases observed in some schools with distinct levels can be explained
by the fact that new schools which were constructed have not yet been connected to the tap water
supply.
3
Preprimary, primary, secondary and TVET L1 to L5 schools
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Table 6.3.2: Safe drinking water in schools
Safe drinking water 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Overall number of schools with safe drinking water 1,717 2,578 2,730 2,511 2,859
Schools with Preprimary level 612 883 921 1,176 2,164
Schools with Primary level 1,310 1,559 1,535 1,543 2,130
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 802 978 1,013 836 1,233
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 114 264 276 266 310
Overall number of schools without safe drinking water 3,002 1,993 1,976 2,633 1,983
Schools with Preprimary level 2,574 2,327 2,480 2,565 1,644
Schools with Primary level 1,567 1,350 1,426 2,148 1,701
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 765 438 439 1,033 725
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 271 86 55 78 112
Percentage of schools with safe drinking water 36.4% 56.4% 58.0% 48.8% 59.0%
Schools with Preprimary level 19.2% 27.5% 27.1% 31.4% 56.8%
Schools with Primary level 45.5% 53.6% 51.8% 41.8% 55.6%
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 51.2% 69.1% 69.8% 44.7% 63.0%
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 29.6% 75.4% 83.4% 77.3% 73.5%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
In relation to overall number of schools with pre-primary, primary, secondary and TVET level, there is
an increase in the percentage of schools with access to safe drinking water from 48.8% in 2020/21
to 59.0% in 2021/22. Schools with TVET levels have the highest percentage of 73.5%.
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Table 6.3.3 illustrates the number of schools with rainwater harvesting system, in general, schools
with pre-primary, primary, secondary and TVET level recorded an increase from 75.7.% in 2020/21 to
89.5% in 2021/22. School with General and professional secondary levels have the highest
percentage of 95.3%
6.4 Sanitation
According to the 2021/22 statistics, it has been observed that 99.0% of schools have handwashing
facilities, with only 47 schools without it. In the previous year, all schools were required to have
handwashing facilities to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. However, it is imperative to ensure that
these existing handwashing facilities are being regularly utilized for proper hand sanitation.
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According to Table 6.4.2, the data shows that 95.5% of schools have separate toilets for males and
females, while 217 schools do not provide this separation. It is worth mentioning that out of these,
28 schools are exclusively for females and 11 schools are exclusively for males. If we exclude these
39 schools, there are still 178 schools that lack single-sex toilets.
Table 6.4.3 illustrates the number of toilets in Preprimary, Primary Secondary and TVET schools.
Number of toilets increase from 150,678 in 2020/21 to 154,235 in 2021/22. The students’ toilet ratio
and staff toilet ratio remained the same. It is worth noting that the recommended student's toilet
ratio of 25 has not been achieved.
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7. SCHOOL NUTRITION
School feeding is an effective mechanism to address food insecurity among school-going children,
especially those from low-income families. It contributes to the eradication of child malnutrition,
increases educational enrolment, retention, and performance. It extends learning time and improves
learners' concentration, thereby enhancing learning achievement, reducing class repetition, and
mitigating school dropout, ultimately resulting in improved learning outcomes.
Table 7.1.1 shows that the number of learners receiving meals at school increased from 874,244 in
2020/21 to 3,375,454 students in 2021/22. Overall, 86.3% of the learners are benefitting from school
feeding program. 70.4 % of children in pre-primary, 88.3% of learners in primary, 89.4% of learners in
secondary and 60.8% of students in TVET get meals at schools. Though there is a considerable
improvement in providing meals to students, there is a need to invest more in school feeding
program.
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7.2 School nutrition facilities and equipment
Table 7.2.1 illustrates the number of schools providing meals to students. Data shows that of the
total 4,842 schools in Rwanda, 3,978(82.2%) schools provide meals for students while 864 schools
are not providing meals for students. There is a notable increase in the number of schools providing
meals to students from 3,093 schools in 2020/21 to 3,978 schools in 2021/22 due to the scale up of
school feeding program to pre-primary and primary schools. Data shows that 81.6% of preprimary
schools provide meals to pupils, 88.4% of primary schools provide meals to pupils, 93.4% of the
secondary schools provide meals to students and 70.9% of TVET L1-L5 provide meals to students.
There is a need to ensure TVET schools are providing meals for the students.
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Table 7.2.2: Nutrition Garden in schools
Indicator/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 20221/22
Overall number of schools with Nutrition Garden 1,777 2,057 2,262 3,048 3,317
Schools with Preprimary level 314 440 528 1,815 2,548
Schools with Primary level 1,173 1,173 1,223 1,696 2,686
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 852 975 997 1,317 1,599
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 175 200 221 248 322
Overall number of schools without Nutrition Garden 2,942 2,514 2,444 2,096 1,525
Schools with Preprimary level 2,872 2,770 2,873 1,926 1,260
Schools with Primary level 1,704 1,736 1,738 1,995 1,145
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 715 441 455 552 359
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 210 150 110 96 100
Percentage of schools with Nutrition Garden 37.7% 45.0% 48.1% 59.3% 68.5%
%Schools with Preprimary level 9.9% 13.7% 15.5% 48.5% 66.91%
%Schools with Primary level 40.8% 40.3% 41.3% 45.9% 70.11%
%Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 54.4% 68.9% 68.7% 70.5% 81.66%
%Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 45.5% 57.1% 66.8% 72.1% 76.30%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table7.2.2 indicates that 68.5% of schools have nutrition garden. At pre-primary school level, the
number of schools with nutrition garden increased, from 1815 schools in 2020/21 to 2548 schools
in 2021/22. Primary schools with nutrition garden increased from 1696 schools in 2020/21 to 2686
schools in 2021/22. At secondary school level, the number of schools with nutrition garden
increased from 1317 schools in 2020/21 to 1599 schools in 2021/22. TVET schools with nutrition
garden increased from 248 schools in 2020/21 to 322 schools in 2021/22.
Table 7.2.3: Type of fuel used for cooking in schools in 2020/21
Type of fuel firewood Gas biogas Electricity peat_and_kerosene
Overall number of schools using 3,850 44 18 15 15
Schools with Preprimary level 2,993 20 2 11 12
Schools with Primary level 3,246 27 2 11 13
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 1,785 24 11 9 2
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 245 10 4 1 -
Total Number of schools not using 128 3,934 3,960 3,963 3,963
Schools with Preprimary level 115 3,088 3,106 3,097 3,096
Schools with Primary level 139 3,358 3,383 3,374 3,372
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 43 1,804 1,817 1,819 1,826
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 54 289 295 298 299
Percentage 96.8% 1.1% 0.5% 0.4% 0.4%
Schools with Preprimary level 96.3% 0.6% 0.1% 0.4% 0.4%
Schools with Primary level 95.9% 0.8% 0.1% 0.3% 0.4%
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 97.6% 1.3% 0.6% 0.5% 0.1%
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 81.9% 3.3% 1.3% 0.3% 0.0%
Source: School census, Ministry of education
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Table 7.2.3 indicates that of the 3,978 schools that provide meals to students, 3,850(96.8%) use
firewood for cooking. 44 schools representing 1.1% of the schools use liquefied petroleum gas for
cooking, 18 schools use biogas, 15 schools use electricity, and 15 schools use peat and kerosene.
Ensuring equal opportunities for every child, regardless of their challenges, is a fundamental
principle. Special education plays a crucial role in providing students with disabilities and Special
Education Needs (SEN) the chance to receive a high-quality education tailored to their unique
requirements.
This section focusses on the number of learners with disabilities by categories of disabilities, and
learners with Special Educational Needs (refugees, orphans, learners in correctional centers). The
section provides information on the availability of adapted infrastructure and materials and the staff
capability to teach students with disabilities/ Special Educational Needs
Table 8.1.1: Adapted infrastructure and materials for learners with disability
Levels of education 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Overall number of schools with 764 1,010 1,434 2,115 3,301
Schools with Preprimary level 183 264 356 580 2,563
Schools with Primary level 522 684 686 1,390 2,666
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 280 393 443 815 1,428
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 89 101 191 233 300
Overall number of schools without 3,955 3,561 3,272 3,029 1,541
Schools with Preprimary level 3,003 2,946 3,045 3,161 1,245
Schools with Primary level 2,355 2,225 2,275 2,301 1,165
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 1,287 1,023 1,009 1,054 530
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 296 249 140 111 122
Percentage of schools with 16.2% 22.1% 30.5% 41.1% 68.2%
Schools with Preprimary level 5.7% 8.2% 10.5% 15.5% 67.3%
Schools with Primary level 18.1% 23.5% 23.2% 37.7% 69.6%
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 17.9% 27.8% 30.5% 43.6% 72.9%
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 23.1% 28.9% 57.7% 67.7% 71.1%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Tables 8.1.1 illustrates the number of schools with adapted infrastructure and materials for learners
with Disabilities. Data shows that 3,301(68.1%) schools meet accessibility standards for learners
with disabilities. To ensure access to education for children with disabilities, there is a need to ensure
all schools meet accessibility standards.
115
In the schools with pre-primary level, the percentage of schools that meet accessibility standards
for learners with disabilities increased from 15.5% in 2020/21 to 67.3% in 2021/22. The ESSP target
of 27.3% has been met.
In the schools with primary level, the percentage of schools that meet accessibility standards for
learners with disabilities increased from 37.7% in 2020 to 69.6% in 202 which means that the ESSP
target of 31.8% has been met.
At Secondary level, the percentage of schools that meet accessibility standards for students with
disabilities increased from 43.6% in 2020/21 to 72.9% in 2021/22. The ESSP target (34.4%) has thus
been achieved. In TVET L1-L5, the percentage of schools that meet accessibility standards for
students with disabilities increased from 67.7% in 2020/21 to 71.1% in 2021/22, meeting the ESSP
target of 45%.
Table 8.1.2 illustrates the number of schools with accessible toilets for learners with disabilities.
Data indicates that 2,144 schools, representing 44.3% have accessible toilets for learners with
disabilities. Data shows that 54% of the public schools have accessible toilets for learners with
disabilities, 49.7% of government subsidized schools have accessible toilets for learners with
disabilities while 21.7% of private schools have accessible toilets for learners with disabilities.
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Table 8.1.3: Availability of girls’ room
Indicator/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Overall, Schools with girls’ rooms 2,497 2,622 2,753 2,998 3,035
Schools with Primary level 1,576 1,664 1,691 2,046 2,189
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 1,197 1,126 1,189 1,505 1,594
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 92 195 220 262 342
Schools with girls ‘rooms 2,222 1,949 1,953 2,146 1,807
Schools with Primary level 1,301 1,245 1,270 1,645 1,642
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 370 290 263 364 361
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 293 155 111 82 80
Percentage of schools with girl’s rooms 52.9% 57.4% 58.5% 58.3% 62.7%
Schools with Primary level 54.8% 57.2% 57.1% 55.4% 57.1%
Schools with Gen. and prof. Secondary level 76.4% 79.5% 81.9% 80.5% 81.5%
Schools with TVET L1-L5 levels 23.9% 55.7% 66.5% 76.2% 81.0%
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
In 2020/21, 58.3% of schools had dedicated girls' rooms, which increased to 62.7% in 2021/22. Specifically,
schools offering Secondary and TVET education were better equipped, with 81.5% and 80% of them having
girls' rooms, respectively.
Table 8.2.1: Total schools Staff trained in special needs and inclusive education.
Indicator/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total staff trained in SNE 3,398 6,734 7,730 12,243 15,569
Male 1,976 3,496 4,060 6,106 8,056
Female 1,422 3,238 3,670 6,137 7,513
% of Male 58.2% 51.9% 52.5% 49.9% 51.7%
% of Female 41.8% 48.1% 47.5% 50.1% 48.3%
Teaching staff trained in SNE 2,862 5,876 6,758 10,699 13,879
Male 1,589 2,906 3,414 5,040 6,911
Female 1,273 2,970 3,344 5,659 6,968
Administrative staff trained in SNE 536 858 972 1,544 1,690
Male 387 590 646 1,066 1,145
Female 149 268 326 478 545
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
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For Inclusive Education to be implemented successfully, teachers and school leaders need to be trained in
Inclusive Education. Table 8.2.1 shows that the number of staff trained in special needs and Inclusive
Education increased by 27.2% from 12,243 in 2020/21 to 15,569 staff in 2021/22. This means that only 14.6%
of the 113,288total staff in pre-primary, primary, secondary and TVET are trained in inclusive education. This
highlights the need for more training in Inclusive Education.
Table 8.2.2: Teaching staff trained in special needs and inclusive education
Indicator/Year 2017 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total teaching staff trained in SNE 2,862 5,876 6,758 10,699 13,879
Male 1,589 2,906 3,414 5,040 6,911
Female 1,273 2,970 3,344 5,659 6,968
% of Male 55.5% 49.5% 50.5% 47.1% 49.8%
% of Female 44.5% 50.5% 49.5% 52.9% 50.2%
Preprimary teaching staff 268 438 585 666 751
Male 41 68 89 108 128
Female 227 370 496 558 623
Primary teaching staff 1,414 3,818 4,181 7,047 8,707
Male 708 1,728 1,953 2,845 3,676
Female 706 2,090 2,228 4,202 5,031
Gen. and Prof. Secondary 1,180 1,620 1,992 2,986 4,421
Male 840 1,110 1,372 2,087 3,107
Female 340 510 620 899 1,314
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
The data regarding teacher training in special needs and inclusive education demonstrates a notable
increase of 29.7% in the number of trained teachers, rising from 10,699 in 2020 to 13,879 in 2021.
Specifically, within pre-primary education, the number of trained teachers rose from 666 in 2020 to
751 in 2021, accounting for 10.2% of the total pre-primary teachers (7,351). In primary education,
the number of trained teachers increased from 7,047 in 2020 to 8,707 in 2021, representing 13.8%
of all primary school teachers. As for secondary education, the number of trained teachers grew
from 2,986 in 2020 to 4,421 in 2021, indicating that only 14.9% of secondary school teachers possess
training in special needs and inclusive education.
118
8.3 Learners with disability
Table 8.3.1 presents data on learners with disabilities in the education system for 2021/22. Out of a
total of 4,159,782 learners, 38,937 (0.9%) are identified as having disabilities. In primary education,
the number of learners with disabilities increased by 21.8% from 23,427 in 2020/21 to 29,994 in
2021/22, representing 1.1% of the total primary learners (2,742,551). In secondary education, the
number of students with disabilities increased from 3,973 to 4,849, comprising 0.6% of the total
secondary school students. For TVET L1-L5, there was an increase from 478 to 611 students with
disabilities (0.7% of total TVET students). Higher education saw an increase from 119 to 234
students with disabilities (0.2% of total higher education students), while adult literacy witnessed a
decrease from 512 to 343 learners with disabilities.
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Table 8.3.2: School attendance rate for people aged 6-17 by disabilities status
Has disability Does not have disability
Province/Area of residence
Male Female Both sexes Male Female Both sexes
Rwanda 63.7% 67.3% 65.3% 80.1% 83.2% 81.7%
City of Kigali 64.4% 70.2% 67.1% 85.6% 84.2% 84.8%
Southern Province 63.3% 68.3% 65.5% 79.9% 84.7% 82.3%
Western Province 65.9% 67.0% 66.4% 79.6% 82.4% 81.0%
Northern Province 63.6% 68.4% 65.7% 80.9% 84.5% 82.7%
Eastern Province 62.1% 65.4% 63.6% 78.4% 81.4% 79.9%
Source: Fifth Rwanda Population and Housing Census, 2022 (NISR)
Table 8.3.7 illustrates the percentage of people aged 6-17 with disabilities who attend schools
compared to those without disabilities. Data indicates that attendance rate of people with disabilities
aged 6-17 is lower than those without disabilities. While the attendance rate of people without
disabilities is 81.7%, the attendance rate for people with disabilities is at 65.3%. This denotes the
issue of disability gap in education. Measures should be taken to make schooling disability inclusive.
Table 8.3.2 indicates the number of students with disabilities by types of disabilities. Physical disabilities
have the largest number with 12,811 learners. There should be adequate infrastructures and transportation
facilities to enable students with physical disabilities to have access to schools. Students with Specific
Learning Difficulties came second with 7856 students having some forms of learning difficulties. This
demonstrates the need to train teachers in differentiated pedagogy. The same trend is observed with data
per education levels in Table 8.3.4 to table 8.3.6.
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Table 8.3.4: Learners with disability in pre-primary and primary by type in 2021/22
Type of disability Preprimary Primary
Male Female Total Male Female Total
Physical and Motor Challenges 483 358 841 5,329 3,936 9,265
Specific Learning Difficulties 202 203 405 3,863 3,058 6,921
Visual impairment 198 89 287 1,946 1,601 3,547
Hearing Impairment 102 59 161 1,007 953 1,960
Developmental challenges 57 54 111 758 718 1,476
Speech, language, and communication difficulties 370 245 615 1,551 1,134 2,685
Multiple disabilities/Difficulties 198 129 327 1,899 1,527 3,426
Intellectual disabilities/ challenges 23 12 35 495 348 843
Total 1,633 1,149 2,782 16,848 13,275 30,123
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 8.3.5: Learners with disability in secondary and TVET by type in 2021/22
Type of disability Secondary TVET
Male Female Total Male Female Total
Physical and Motor Challenges 1,121 981 2,102 169 94 263
Specific Learning Difficulties 256 240 496 17 17 34
Visual impairment 477 521 998 33 32 65
Hearing Impairment 185 170 355 46 41 87
Developmental challenges 90 70 160 1 5 6
Speech, language, and communication difficulties 165 104 269 29 29 58
Multiple disabilities/Difficulties 227 214 441 54 40 94
Intellectual disabilities/ challenges 15 9 24 1 2 3
Total 2,536 2,309 4,845 350 260 610
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 8.3.6: Learners with disability in Higher education and adult literacy by type in 2021/22
Type of disability Higher education Adult literacy
Male Female Total Male Female Total
Physical and Motor Challenges 100 61 161 60 119 179
Specific Learning Difficulties 0 0 0 0 0 0
Visual impairment 33 18 51 22 73 95
Hearing Impairment 5 2 7 10 23 33
Developmental challenges 0 0 0 0 0 0
Speech, language, and communication difficulties 1 0 1 4 13 17
Multiple disabilities/Difficulties 3 1 4 6 13 19
Intellectual disabilities/ challenges 3 1 4 0 0 0
Autism spectrum disorder 0 1 1 0 0 0
Emotional and behavioral disorder 1 4 5 0 0 0
Total 146 88 234 102 241 343
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
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8.4 Refugee students
Refugee children are among students with special educational needs. They may not have any
disability, but they will need special consideration and attention for them to be able to enjoy their
rights to quality education. Table 8.4.1 shows that the number of refugee children in pre-primary
schools increased from 2,657 in 2020/21 to 3,575 in 2021/22, which presents an increase of 34.6%.
The number of refugee learners in primary schools decreased by 16.3% between 2020/21 and
2021/22 from 26,818 to 23,052. Data also shows a slight increase in the number of refugee students
in general secondary education from 11,794 in 2020/21 to 12,168 in 2021/22, an increase of 3.2%.
There is a considerable increase in the number of refugee students in TVET education from 415 in
2020/21 to 534 in 2021/22, an increase of 28.7%
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Table 8.4.2: Number of Refugee students by school status
Indicator/Year 2018 2019 2020/21 2021/22
Total Refugee Students 39,579 40,151 41,684 39,329
Male 20,628 20,579 20,932 20,297
Female 18,951 19,572 20,752 19,032
% of Male 52.1% 51.3% 50.2% 51.6%
% of Female 47.9% 48.7% 49.8% 48.4%
Refugee Students in Public schools 24,188 25,236 24,226 24,285
Male 12,946 13,193 12,472 12,759
Female 11,242 12,043 11,754 11,526
Refugee Students in Government-subsidized schools 11,245 12,009 8,773 7,039
Male 5,659 5,959 4,291 3,593
Female 5,586 6,050 4,482 3,446
Refugee Students in Private schools 4,146 2,906 8,685 8,005
Male 2,023 1,427 4,169 3,945
Female 2,123 1,479 4,516 4,060
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Table 8.4.2 shows that public schools constituted 61.7% of the total enrolment of refugee students
(with 24,285 refugee students) countrywide followed by private schools at 20.4% with 8,005 refugee
students while government-subsidized schools on the other hand, recorded the lowest number of
refugee students as compared to other schools constituting 17.9% of the total enrolment (with 7,039
refugee students). Overall male enrolment is slightly higher than that of their female counterparts
(51.6% against 48.4%, respectively). Female refugee students are slightly more than their male
counterparts in private schools.
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8.5 Orphan students
Table 8.5.1 indicates a decrease in number of learners with disability from 191,417 in 2020/21 to
180,680 in 2021/22.
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According to Table 8.5.2, there is a total enrolment of 180,680 orphan students, consisting of 89,678
males and 91,002 females. This represents a decline from 191,417 in the previous academic year.
Among the orphan students, the majority are paternal orphans, accounting for 100,955 (55.9%),
followed by 55,622 (30.8%) maternal orphans, and lastly, 24,103 (13.3%) who have lost both parents.
Given the unique circumstances faced by orphan students, it is crucial to develop specific
interventions and support systems to cater to their needs. These interventions should address the
challenges faced by orphan learners in order to ensure their academic success and overall well-
being.
Education is a fundamental human right, which should be provided to every child regardless of where
they are or the condition, they are in. Students in correctional centers are in the category of students
with Special Educational Needs. Table 8.6.1 shows that the number of students in correctional
centers increased from 8,848 in 2020/21 to 11,073 in 2021/22. The proportion of male students in
correctional centers is bigger than females with 83.5% and 16.5% respectively. In addition, the
highest proportion of students in correctional centers is in TVET (5646) with 51.0%, followed by
learners in adult literacy (5,040) at 44.6%.
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CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The yearbook highlights the country's recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and
emphasizes the establishment of a resilient education system. The data presented in the report
provides a valuable resource for informed decision-making and policy formulation in the education
sector.
The report primarily relies on data collected through the School Data Management System (SDMS)
at the school level. However, data from other sources, such as Home-based Early Childhood
Development (ECDs) centers and the fifth Population and Housing Census, has also been
incorporated for a comprehensive analysis.
The number of schools has increased at all levels of education, including pre-primary, primary,
secondary, and TVET. There has been a significant growth in the number of schools offering TVET
education. However, the country has not yet achieved the standard learner to classroom ratio,
especially in pre-primary and primary levels. The total number of learners in all levels of education
has increased, with a higher proportion of female students. There is a gender disparity in favor of
female in pre-primary, primary, lower and upper secondary levels, while male have higher enrollment
in TVET and higher education institutions.
The total number of school staff has increased, with a growth in teaching and administrative staff.
The gender distribution among staff members remained consistent. There is a notable increase in
the percentage of schools using ICT for teaching and learning. Internet connectivity has improved,
and the number of computers allocated for students has increased, resulting in a lower student-to-
computer ratio.
Investments have been made to provide books for primary education, achieving a ratio of 1:1 for
Kinyarwanda, English, and Mathematics. However, there is a higher ratio of students per textbook in
Pre-primary education. The majority of schools have access to on-grid electricity and tap water
supply, but there is still a need to address the remaining schools without these amenities. Efforts
have been made to improve toilet facilities, but there is room for further improvement to meet
recommended ratios.
The school feeding program has been scaled up, resulting in a significant increase in student feed
at school and the percentage of schools providing meals to students. Further investment is needed
to sustain and enhance the impact of the program. Efforts have been made to prioritize inclusive
education, including accessible infrastructure and specialized training for staff. The percentage of
schools equipped with adapted facilities for learners with disabilities has increased. There are
specific groups of students, such as those with disabilities, refugees, orphans, and those in
correctional centers, that require tailored support and attention.
126
ANNEX
Annex 1: Number of schools with Preprimary level by district
District/Province 2020/21 2021/22
Gisagara 81 91
Huye 99 107
Kamonyi 133 149
Muhanga 161 149
Nyamagabe 97 109
Nyanza 104 103
Nyaruguru 97 102
Ruhango 97 96
South 869 906
Karongi 129 151
Ngororero 113 115
Nyabihu 86 98
Nyamasheke 134 142
Rubavu 101 132
Rusizi 137 142
Rutsiro 112 106
West 812 886
Bugesera 115 132
Gatsibo 170 175
Kayonza 71 62
Kirehe 106 114
Ngoma 102 96
Nyagatare 180 211
Rwamagana 184 101
East 928 891
Burera 121 124
Gakenke 144 131
Gicumbi 182 131
Musanze 160 142
Rulindo 105 109
North 712 637
Gasabo 188 248
Kicukiro 135 143
Nyarugenge 97 97
Kigali City 420 488
Rwanda 3,741 3,808
Source: School census, Ministry of Education
Annex 2: Number of schools with Primary level by district
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
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