Virginie Umugwaneza’s journey is a compelling testament to the transformative power of English proficiency in Rwanda, a nation historically rooted in French-speaking traditions. With a Bachelor’s degree in science, specialising in Chemistry and Physics, Virginie’s career path took an unexpected but fortuitous turn when she found herself teaching English alongside her role as a school deputy head teacher. The opportunity emerged when an English teaching vacancy arose at her school. Initially stepping in temporarily, Virginie’s exceptional proficiency in English soon made her an indispensable asset to the school.
In 2016, Rwanda undertook a significant linguistic shift, transitioning its official language from French to English. This decision was driven by the country’s ambition to compete on a global scale. This pivotal transition marked the beginning of Virginie’s involvement with British Council programmes, starting with the Building Learning Foundation (BLF) Project in 2018. As a mentor trainer, Virginie played a crucial role in training teachers to enhance their English proficiency, enabling them to deliver their subjects with greater fluency and confidence.
The success of the BLF Programme paved the way for the Secondary Teachers English Language Improvement Rwanda (STELIR) project, aimed at further elevating the English proficiency of secondary school teachers. Through this initiative, teachers underwent comprehensive training in various methodologies to enhance their teaching capabilities in English. Virginie reflects on the transformative impact of the programme, noting how teachers’ confidence in the language soared, resulting in more engaging and effective classroom environments. With newfound proficiency, teachers embraced innovative teaching practices, fostering better comprehension and participation among students.
Central to the STELIR project’s success are the School-Based Mentors (SBMs), who provide ongoing support and professional development to teachers within their schools. Through weekly meetings and continuous mentorship, SBMs ensure the programme’s momentum is sustained, leaving a lasting impact on both teachers and students across Rwanda. Virginie herself has been an integral part of this mentoring process, helping to build a robust network of English-proficient educators.
Virginie views English not merely as a language but as a gateway to global opportunities. She recognises the STELIR project’s critical role in Rwanda’s transition to an English-speaking nation and envisions a future where English-proficient students contribute meaningfully to global challenges. She dreams of seeing Rwandan students representing their country on the world stage with pride, innovation, and a sense of purpose.