On 1 June 2024, Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) in partnership with Heads Of School Organization (HOSO) Rwanda, nationally commenced a volleyball competition in schools for headteachers in Musanze district.

The Northern zone participated in a volleyball competition whereby Headteachers, both male and female from Musanze, Burera, Gakenke and Rulindo in addition to Rwanda Basic Education Board competed at Ecole Secondaire Saint Vincent Muhoza.

Musanze finished as the top contender of the Northern Province after defeating REB in the final with a score of 3-0 sets. Also in the female’s competition, Musanze emerged as champions of the Northern Province after a 3-0 set win against Burera side.

Among key attendees of this competition that aims at providing headteachers and educational administrators an opportunity to engage in a friendly competition while promoting physical well-being and work-life balance is Leon Mugenzi Ntawukuriryayo who is Head of Teacher Development, Management, Career Guidance and Counselling Department at Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) stated that;

“Headteachers representing their schools in a sports competition like this contributes to the positive culture and morale within their respective institutions. This can also influence teachers, students and parents to have a sense of unity for their school.”

The Northern zone is comprised of four teams from the male side divided in two groups whereas female’s competition took place in a group of two teams.

Due to that REB volleyball team and Burera were the only teams in Group A, they had a two round game made of a 2-set format with a possibility of a third in case there could be a draw.

Both games ended with a 2-0 set win for REB against Burera which led to the former qualifying for a place in the final of the Northern Province zone.

In group B, Musanze defeated Gakenke and Rulindo respectively with 2-0 sets which gave it a ticket to the Northern Province against REB that resulted in a 3-0 set win for Musanze.

Brother Evariste Nsanzimana who is the Headteacher of Groupe Scolaire Marie-Reine Rwaza and Head Of School Organization in Musanze and the Northern Province, captained Musanze Headteachers volleyball team in this competition and stated that;

“The participation of headteachers in a competition like this can serve as an example and also influence students to be involved in sports.”

Rwanda Basic Education Board team captain, Emmanuel Ntashamaje said: “Based on how headteachers participated in this event, there is a sufficient hope that the goal of this campaign will be achieved, given that it will be taking place annually.”

This competition that is currently taking place nationally stems from School Sports Policy 2020 by MINEDUC, a policy that aims at developing and maintaining the culture of sports in all schools where all learners, teachers, and school administrators must participate in physical and sports exercises to gain different benefits related to a regular practice of sports exercises.

The next phase which will determine the semi-finalists, finalists and champions respectively on the national stage is scheduled on 11 June 2024 in Kigali.