“WE ARE COMMITTED TO STRENGTHENING LITERACY SKILLS IN THE EARLY GRADES.” MINISTER OF STATE, GASPARD TWAGIRAYEZU SAYS DURING THE CELEBRATION OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LEGACY OF USAID SOMA UMENYE.

On Thursday 17 November 2021, Minister of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education, Gaspard TWAGIRAYEZU together with Ambassador of Unites States to Rwanda Peter Vrooman celebrated the five-year of USAID Soma Umenye project . The project was implemented by Chemonics International, in partnership with Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) and National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA).

Speaking at the event, Minister of State, Gaspard TWAGIRAYEZU said that over the 5-Year, SOMA Umenye has supported P1-P3 children all over the country by putting books in their hands, training teachers, and strengthening the system around foundational skills, especially in Kinyarwanda literacy. He went further by mentioning that the education sector is committed to strengthening literacy skills in the early grades, this is to improve children with a foundation they need in their future studies and life.

Minister of States, Gaspard TWAGIRAYEZU also stated that the Ministry of Education has been pleased to partner with USAID SOMA Umenye, through the Soma Rwanda platform, to highlight the importance of literacy through the National Reading Campaign in 2020 and 2021. Throughout CODID-19 school closures where partners of the National Reading Campaign used creative ways to support the dissemination of digital reading materials.

“Today is also a time to recognize that there is still more work to be done. I appreciate today’s thoughtful discussion and reflection on recommendations. As the education family, we will work together to sustain the gains already made, learn from experiences and work to ensure that all students are given the best opportunity to succeed later in life.” TWAGIRAYEZU said.

Minister of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education, TWAGIRAYEZU appreciated the technical expertise of USAID Soma Umenye. “allow me to appreciate the SOMA Umenye team, technical expertise, and commitment to literacy are to be commended. Your name-SOMA Umenye or Read and Know; it is  a reminder to us that reading is the gateway to knowledge and therefore to opportunity. When we read, we know. Thank you for your contributions, which leave a legacy on the education sector and the nation.” He said.

During the celebration of SOMA Umenye’s accomplishments, Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board, Dr. Nelson MBARUSHIMANA said that REB has been pleased to partner with USAID Soma Umenye over the past five and a half years and learning to read in Kinyarwanda is the foundation for academic achievement and lifelong success.

Director General of REB, Dr. MBARUSHIMANA also mentioned that children have best opportunity to learn and read when they are provided with a range of quality reading materials, and when they are taught by highly  effective teachers.  “Through our strong partnership and collaboration, REB and USAID SOMA Umenye have strengthening both the quality and availability of teaching and learning materials and provided targeted training to teachers and school leaders on early grade reading instruction and management.” He said.

REB has been pleased to work with USAID SOMA Umenye to deliver training to all P1-P3  teachers on the foundations of teaching early grade reading, as well as several rounds of training to all school leaders on  the meaning of  early grade reading, including managing assessments (particularly LEGRA) and effective coaching.

Samuel Munana, Executive Director,  Rwanda National Union of the Deaf, said that SOMA Umenye has played a key role supporting inclusive education in Rwanda.  “SOMA Umenye has supported Rwanda National Union of the Deaf (RNUD)  and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) to finalise the Rwanda Sign Language (RSL) dictionary, which is a key first step to securing government approval for RSL.  SOMA Umenye has also supported the development of reading books with RSL as well as supporting the development of braille code and the development of reading books in braille.”

The USAID Soma Umenye project is coming to an end in 2021 but USAID will continue their support to foundational literacy skills through two new five-year projects; USAID Uburezi Bufite Ireme and USAID Homes and Communities activity that will be launched in 2022.