Rwandan Students Scoop Regional Education Award

Four students from Rwandan primary and secondary schools and colleges have won Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) awards for essay writing and picture drawing

The students are set to be recognised today at a ceremony in Kisumu, Kenya.

The competition attracted primary, secondary and college students from East African Community member states.

In the secondary school group, Gervais Habaguhirwa, from G.S Rilima Catholique, was announced winner, while Thomas Hakuzimana, from G.S Katarara was second runner-up in ‘art category’.

Emmanuel Dusabimana, from G.S Kagasa (Bugesera District), was second in the primary school essay writing competition, while in the category of colleges J. Bosco Nsengiyumva, from TTC Matimba, was announced second runner-up in artwork.

The competition was organised in the framework of ESD Day celebrations by the Lake Victoria Catchment Environmental Education Programme which is implemented by World Wide Fund for Nature in collaboration with Rwanda Environment Management Authority (Rema).

Promoting development:

It aims at promoting education for sustainable development, giving a voice to learners to air their views as well as encourage students to design real solutions to today’s environmental problems.

Dr. Rose Mukankomeje, director general of Rema, said the award winners should encourage other Rwandan students and schools to work hard in order to top future awards in East Africa and beyond.

“We are much honoured to have Rwandan students among the winners of ESD regional competition. This shows that efforts we put in sensitising Rwandan schools to integrate ESD in their teaching programmes have been fruitful,” she said.

“I encourage Rwandan students and schools to keep working hard in order to win future awards because this should not be the last success but the beginning of a long journey of success, “she added.

The award giving ceremony will take place during education for sustainable development day aimed at raising public awareness on the importance of education for sustainable development as a tool for promoting best practices and innovations.

Source: The New Times