For the first time, Rwanda is taking part in the prestigious Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a global benchmark that evaluates students’ problem-solving skills in Mathematics, Science, and English. Education leaders and students alike view this as a moment of pride and an opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s strides in academic excellence.
What is PISA, and how will it benefit Rwanda?
PISA is an assessment conducted for students aged 15 to 16 (not exceeding two additional months) in three core subjects: Mathematics, Science, and English. In Rwanda, the assessment will be conducted in 213 schools across all districts, with 7,455 students taking part.
Dr. Bahati Bernard, the Director General of the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA), explains that excelling in this assessment is a source of pride for the country, as it will showcase Rwanda’s education level on an international scale.
He stated:“This assessment is not based on the curriculum of a specific country but rather evaluates a student’s ability to solve real-life problems. Preparing our students to succeed in this assessment is a significant step for our education system.”
Students’ Readiness and Enthusiasm
At ES Kanombe/EFOTEC, where the awareness campaign was launched, students expressed their readiness and confidence to participate in the assessment.
Ingabe Petyia Jordyn’s, a third-year student, shared her thoughts:
“PISA will help me think quickly and solve problems efficiently.”
Kugumaho Caleb, another student from ES Kanombe/EFOTEC, said that representing Rwanda in this assessment is an honor.
He added:“This is a great achievement for the country and for me personally. I believe it will help expand my thinking and improve my mathematical skills.”
The Role of School Leaders in Preparation
Tumukunde Monica, the Head of ES Kanombe/EFOTEC, emphasized that this assessment is a valuable opportunity for students.
She stated:“We are helping them prepare well by familiarizing them with the types of questions they will face and encouraging them to think critically before answering. It is crucial that our students acquire knowledge beyond textbooks and learn how to apply their studies in daily life.”
NESA’s Expectations for PISA
Dr. Bahati Bernard highlighted that this assessment will help Rwanda understand its standing in global education rankings.
He explained:“Ninety-one countries are participating, including five from Africa: Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, Morocco, and Egypt. Engaging in this assessment allows us to better understand the knowledge level of our students compared to those in other countries.”
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which administers PISA, the assessment determines whether a 15-year-old student has the skills necessary to decide between continuing education or entering the workforce while possessing the problem-solving abilities required in daily life and employment.
The PISA assessment marks a significant milestone for Rwanda’s education sector. The approach used, the students’ preparation, and the confidence of education leaders indicate that Rwanda is committed to fostering a high-quality education system. Excelling in PISA will be a source of national pride and will further strengthen Rwanda’s competitiveness in global education.
