A First World Problem in a Third World Country

The Republic of Rwanda with a GDP of $2,090 (in 2016 and PPP adjusted) and ranking 159th in the HDI (Human Development Index) is a small country in East Africa (in comparison, Sri Lanka with a PPP adjusted GDP of $13,012 ranks 73rd in HDI).

Historically, the schools in Rwanda were established and run by religious bodies but since 2000, the government has invested heavily in public education. This has resulted in nearly one third of the schools being publicly funded, a compulsory twelve-year basic education, a school feeding program, and major improvements in teaching infrastructure and capacity.

The outcome of this progressive government policy in education has been a shift of student enrollments from private schools to public schools and many private schools facing the possibility of closure. The ensuing uncertainty has caused the owners of private schools to request the Rwandan government to support their continued operation.







Reference: http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/rwanda/Business/Improved-public-schools-see-private-academies-close-down/1433224-4064492-dlujesz/index.html

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