Rwanda Education Board (REB) has said that it is working with the UNICEF and other partners to deliver lessons, through radio and television, for students who don’t have access to e-learning platforms during coronavirus lockdown.
The response follows calls by activists calling on the Ministry of Education to put in place easy-to-use distance learning tools for students with disabilities, with no access to the internet and smart devices such as smartphones and computers during lockdown, reports New Times.
Maggie Korde, Country Director of Save the Children Rwanda, said there is a need for inclusive remote learning since the closure of schools will hit the most marginalised children hardest.
“We request the Ministry of Education to ensure the technologies used aren’t excluding the poor, disabled or marginalised children,” she said.
“In communities with little or no access to the internet, for example, radio programmes can enable children to continue their learning, or mitigate the consequences of not being in school.”
For those who have access to the internet and smart devices, students’ and teachers’ books, audios, videos and photos are accessible in e-learning tools for free.
“The systems are interactive since there are tutors to help students and other users. The lessons on YouTube will not require internet charges after partnering with Telecom companies to finance the project,” Ndayambaje said.
University students and Rwanda Polytechnic colleges have their e-learning platforms, he noted.
