Abstract
This exploratory study, commissioned by British Council Rwanda and conducted by Education Development Trust, investigates the implementation of English as the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) in Rwanda’s lower primary cycle (P1–P3), following the 2019/20 policy shift. Drawing on data from 28 schools across urban and rural settings, the study examines the impact of the policy on learners, teachers, caregivers, and education stakeholders.
Findings reveal widespread support for the policy’s goals, particularly its alignment with Rwanda’s regional and global ambitions. However, challenges persist. Learners’ English proficiency remains low, constrained by limited exposure at home and in communities, and compounded by large class sizes, double-shift teaching, and insufficient teaching and learning materials. Teachers often lack the English proficiency and pedagogical skills needed to support learners effectively, and pre-service training curricula are not consistently aligned with the demands of English LoLT.
The study highlights the value of language-supportive pedagogy, including strategic use of Kinyarwanda, to scaffold learners’ understanding and promote inclusive classroom environments. Gendered expectations and socio-economic disparities further shape learners’ experiences, with girls and children with disabilities facing additional barriers.
Recommendations include curriculum streamlining, textbook revision, enhanced teacher training, and community engagement to increase English exposure. The report calls for further research into the alignment of teacher training curricula with LoLT policy and advocates for a holistic, system-wide approach to improving foundational learning outcomes in English.
This study offers timely insights for policymakers, educators, and development partners working to strengthen early grade education in multilingual contexts.
Citation
Cameron, L., Mugiraneza, J.-P., & Simpson, J. (2025). Teach in English, explain in Kinyarwanda? Exploratory study into the implementation of English as the language of learning and teaching in lower primary schools in Rwanda. British Council. https://doi.org/10.57884/P1E0-K987