Rwanda has received the third group of volunteer French language teachers sent under the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), as part of a program aimed at enhancing the teaching and learning of French in the country. ALSO READ: Why La Francophonie is sending 100 French teachers to Rwanda The new group, made up of 50 volunteers from 15 Francophone countries, is currently participating in a week-long integration program that started on September 29 and will end on October 5, World Teachers’ Day. The preparatory week includes pedagogical training, intercultural workshops, and meetings with Rwandan education officials, preparing the volunteers for their mission in secondary schools and Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs). Speaking to The New Times, Leon Mugenzi, Director of Teacher Development and Management at the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating that the teachers are expected to enhance French proficiency both in classrooms and through extracurricular activities. “Assessing the long-term success of a program that began only a few years ago is naturally complex,” Mugenzi said. “However, we can already confirm that students in schools where the volunteers have been placed are benefiting in concrete ways.” According to the official, the program has led to various activities such as dictation and reading competitions, spelling contests, and the establishment of Francophone clubs. “These initiatives not only improve proficiency but also foster creativity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation of the language,” he added. Mugenzi emphasized the role of the volunteers in mentoring and supporting Rwandan teachers. “Local teachers have greatly benefited from the presence of OIF French teachers. Through mentorship, training, and co-teaching, they have been introduced to pedagogical approaches tailored to French as a foreign language. This exposure has encouraged a shift in mindset, from viewing French solely as an academic subject to appreciating it as a means of communication,” he explained. ALSO READ: New dawn for French language as Rwanda recruits foreign teachers Despite the progress, Mugenzi acknowledged ongoing challenges. These include limited mastery of French among both teachers and learners, insufficient evaluation mechanisms, and a shortage of teaching and learning materials. Sustainability is also a concern, as continuity depends on strengthening local teacher capacity once volunteers complete their assignments. To address these gaps, REB plans to expand continuous professional development opportunities, improve monitoring and evaluation tools, and promote structured co-teaching models. Partnerships are also being explored to enhance access to updated textbooks, digital content and extracurricular opportunities. OIF’s commitment Since the program's launch in 2020, a total of 120 French volunteer teachers have been deployed to Rwandan schools. Rennie Yotova, Director of French Language Teaching and Learning at OIF, stated that the placement of teachers is guided by strict criteria to ensure quality and impact. “These volunteers are not only French language teachers but also teacher-trainers capable of mentoring local educators, teaching directly to students, and creating a dynamic Francophone environment,” Yotova explained. Placements, she noted, are determined in close collaboration with REB, ensuring they respond to Rwanda’s specific needs. According to Yotova, the program has already made a tangible difference. “More qualified teachers are now present across the country, including rural areas. In Teacher Training Centres, volunteers have also helped train future primary school teachers, multiplying the effect of their presence,” she said. At the classroom level, schools report better student outcomes, particularly in oral expression and confidence in using French. Local teachers have also adopted interactive methods introduced by the volunteers, making lessons more engaging. The OIF initiative extends beyond teaching, playing a key role in capacity building and ensuring sustainability. By working alongside Rwandan teachers, the volunteers share methods, develop resources, and strengthen professional practices. “This approach has a multiplier effect,” Yotova said. “Instead of reaching only their own classes, volunteers help elevate the overall quality of French education in Rwanda.” Looking ahead, OIF’s vision is aligned with Rwanda’s National Plan for the Teaching and Learning of French. The aim is for Rwanda to gradually take full ownership of the program, building lasting capacity and independence. “The third cohort, which brings together volunteers from 15 countries, illustrates the richness of the Francophonie. This diversity offers Rwandan students and teachers direct exposure to a wide range of cultural and pedagogical perspectives, reinforcing the idea that French is a shared space for cooperation across continents,” Yotova said. The program, launched in 2020 by OIF Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo, has since become a flagship initiative of the Francophonie. This year’s cohort includes volunteers from Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana, France, Madagascar, and Burundi. Of the 50 teachers, 19 are women.
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