The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), has welcomed, on 5 October, a new cohort of 50 OIF teacher-volunteers who will spend the year in Rwanda supporting efforts to enhance the teaching and learning of French, particularly in Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) and secondary schools across the country.

The ceremony, held in Kigali, was officiated by Minister of Education Dr. Joseph Nsengimana and attended by senior officials from the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) and Dr. Rennie Yotova, OIF’s Director for the Teaching and Learning of French. The event marked another milestone in the growing partnership between Rwanda and OIF to strengthen multilingual education.

In his remarks, Dr. Nsengimana commended the long-standing collaboration with OIF, describing the Projet de mobilité des enseignantes et enseignants de et en Français au Rwanda as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s language-in-education policy.

“Through this collaboration with OIF, our schools have gained skilled educators, and our teachers and students have developed renewed enthusiasm and confidence in using the French language,” he said.
The Minister highlighted the tangible results achieved since 2020, including the creation of Francophone clubs, national competitions in debate, spelling, theatre, and poetry, and increased cultural exchange in schools. Welcoming the third cohort from 15 Francophone countries, he praised their dedication and encouraged host schools to embrace the partnership as a two-way learning opportunity.

“Education is a bridge between nations,” he added. “Your presence reflects the spirit of the Francophonie family. Rwanda is your second home.”

Speaking on behalf of OIF, Dr. Rennie Yotova applauded Rwanda’s strong commitment to promoting French and fostering quality education. She emphasized that the volunteer programme demonstrates the Francophonie’s tangible support for education improvement through cooperation, cultural exchange, and shared growth.

“These young professionals are not only here to share their skills—they are here to build bridges of cooperation and solidarity,” she said, encouraging the volunteers to embrace their mission with passion and resilience.

Now in its fifth year, the OIF teacher-volunteer programme continues to embody the values of cooperation and cultural exchange that define the Francophonie. With more than 150 volunteers having served since 2020, the initiative has strengthened French language education in Rwanda’s schools and contributed to the country’s broader goal of producing globally competent, multilingual graduates.