NYABIHU: NEW CLASSROOMS IMPROVE LEARNING CONDITIONS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Nyabihu - Students and teachers at Groupe Scolaire Rega Catholic in Nyabihu District are benefiting from improved learning conditions following the construction of six classrooms under the Basket Funding for Pro-Poor Development (PPD-Basket) project.
Before the construction, the school faced challenges related to inadequate classroom space and old infrastructure. Some classrooms accommodated more than 55 students, resulting in overcrowding that made it difficult for teachers to give individual attention to learners and for students to concentrate during lessons.
The situation has since improved with the availability of additional six new classrooms, providing students and teachers with a more spacious, safe and conducive learning environment.
The new classrooms have helped reduce the number of students sharing learning spaces. Classes that previously accommodated more than 55 students now have approximately 35 to 40 students, allowing teachers to interact more effectively with learners, monitor their progress and provide better support during lessons.
Speaking about the changes brought by the project, the Deputy Headteacher in charge of Studies at Groupe Scolaire Rega Catholique, Mvukiyehe Gahungu James, expressed appreciation for the new infrastructure and highlighted its contribution to the school's academic progress.
“Before the construction, we had overcrowded classrooms, with some classes accommodating more than 55 students. Our school buildings were also old, which affected the learning environment. Today, the situation has improved, and the classes that previously had many students now accommodate around 35- 40 learners. We have also seen positive results in academic performance, which reached 97% last year”- he said.
In Nyabihu District, the Basket Funding for Pro-Poor Development (PPD-Basket) Project constructed 15 classrooms and 48 latrines at a total cost of 518,451,424 Frw.
Beyond its contribution to education, the Pro-Poor Development Basket Project has also supported economic development in Nyabihu District through employment creation.
The construction works created job opportunities for 231 people, giving community members an opportunity to earn income and support their families.
The Basket Funding for Pro-Poor Development (PPD-Basket) is a multi-donor initiative designed to strengthen Rwanda’s pro-poor and gender-sensitive local economic development agenda.
Implemented by the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) and the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), the PPD-Basket focuses on improving access to quality basic services and enhancing the well-being of vulnerable populations in 16 rural districts: Gisagara, Nyanza, Ngoma, Nyaruguru, Gatsibo, Nyamagabe, Ruhango, Kamonyi, Rulindo, Gakenke, Burera, Gicumbi, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, Ngororero and Nyamasheke.
