Rwanda's Development - An Outsider's Perspective

Rwanda's Development - An Outsider's Perspective By Beth Milburn:

Rwanda is what most people would call 'a developing country'. However, when I say Rwanda is a developing country I really mean Rwanda is a developing country! You can't miss the evidence that this is a country experiencing rapid development, it's everywhere. Before I came I was not expecting to see it so clearly and I have found it extremely encouraging to see and to be here at this significant stage of Rwanda's history.

Currently Rwanda is one of the fastest developing countries in the world - ranked 9^th in the world (The Economist, 2013). It experienced an economic growth rate of 8% in 2012 and 7.8% in 2013. 'Vision 2020' is the Government’s strategy and vision to transform Rwanda into a middle income country by 2020. There have been some great successes to date. For example, between 2005 and 2011 the poverty rate decreased by 12% which means that 12 million people were lifted out of poverty (UNICEF, 2013). Rwanda is one of just ten countries to achieve universal access to antiretroviral treatment for HIV (UNDP, 2012).

The beautiful view of Kigali city

Kigali, the capital city, is a beautiful mix of skyscrapers and ordinary homes stretching across hill after hill after hill. But the skyline is rapidly changing as the city is being transformed in accordance with ‘Vision 2020’– big impressive buildings and towers are appearing and you can see current projects under construction. Not only are buildings being built but we have also seen projects laying down internet cables underground as part of a plan to give the whole country a good internet connection – essential for effective development. Roads too are constantly being built and improved and the main roads we drive around on in Kigali are of an amazing quality. All the industry in the city is being moved to a designated area and the central part of town is being transformed. And this is just Kigali.

Our teammate Sam, who is from Kigali tells us that: 'you can't recognise the country from pre 2005' and that 'Rwanda is developing so fast people come out of prison and think that they are in a different country'. Imagine that!

The people are excited about the development prospects of their country and are united. They say that 'we are all Rwandan', there is one culture, one language, and development is 'one Rwandan project'. Therefore these transformations are not just taking place in Kigali. This form of development is what’s known as ‘pro-poor growth’, where the aim is that no one will get left behind as Rwanda’s economy grows. This is due to projects such as 'One Cow Per Poor Family', the prioritisation of education for all, and an emphasis on inclusive development.

The vision for the future Kigali skyline

I am genuinely excited by the hope that lies in this country and its potential for the future. Effective policies are being put in place, poverty levels are decreasing, and here development is far more tangible and evident than I ever thought it could be.

External links:

http://www.economist.com/blogs/theworldin2013/2013/01/fastest-growing-economies-2013

http://www.rw.undp.org/content/dam/rwanda/docs/Research%20and%20publications/Millenium%20development%20goals/MDG%20Global%20Report%202012.pdf

http://www.unicef.org/about/execboard/files/2013-RWA1-Rwanda_CCPD-final_approved-English.pdf).

http://edprs.rw/content/vision-2020

http://www.minagri.gov.rw/index.php?id=28

Structural Learning Week 2 - The Significance of ICT in Development

The Significance of ICT in Development by David Karemera:

This is the second in our series of eight structural learning sessions. This week it was given to us by our team leader David and he chose to do it on the importance of ICT in development - specifically how it can aid in education. Focusing and highlighting the 'One Laptop per Child' campaign that is currently happening in Rwanda.

David began the session by giving us an overview about the different aspects of ICT and the general applications and roles that it plays in everyday life...

ICT in Day-to-Day Life:

"ICT (Information and Communications Technology) is an umbrella term  that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as videoconferencing and distance learning." 

Chandler, Daniel, Munday, Rod” Information Technology

What are the applications of ICT?

ICT can be a great tool for development. For example in the last 10 years these technologies have become commonplace...

• Personal Computers
• Mobile Phones
• Internet and Online Shopping
• Email and Social Networks
• Television

ICT has integrated to become part of all of our daily lives without us even noticing just how many aspects it impacts. The discoveries and invention have improved the speed of communication and help man fulfill his needs.

It has changed all aspects of live, but in-particular it has had a massive impact on education.

David then went on to highlight how ICT is used in education and how it has positively improved the way in which people learn. Further how this can be used in development to improve the lives of many more...

Use of ICT in the Classroom:

• Students use ICT as a resource - they use computers to browse through research for projects, as well as preparing projects to present and computer programs to enhance learning.
• Teachers use ICT as a research tool to help them to prepare lessons. They also use it as a way to communicate with other teachers through online forums and online conferences in order to compare and establish the best teaching techniques.
• School administrators use ICT in the running of the school - to make sure that everything goes smoothly and to be able to have a pupils details and records at a click of a button.

Following this David spoke about how ICT is being used as a development tool in Rwandan primary schools by introducing us to the 'One Laptop per Child' campaign...

The 'One Laptop per Child' Campaign:

This video has been taken from the Worldfocus youtube page -  it was originally posted 5 years ago. However I feel that it still gives a great overview of what the project aims to complete as well as the massive changes it had already made in just the space of a few months!

The 'One Laptop per Child' campaign focuses at getting a laptop to every child who is of primary age in Rwanda. This project empowers the children and those around them by connecting them to the world outside and enhancing the ways in which they can learn. By the children learning the knowledge gets passed on to those around them in the community having an ever flourishing improvement.

Many of these children had never touched a computer before this project and now they are learning so fast - sometimes even faster than the teachers! 

The computers are of a simple design however this has been used to an advantage and a focus on educational studies has been established. The children use them to enhance their English, Geography and Science through a series of programs installed on the devices.

Not only have these laptops given the children a new way to learn, they have also created a new love of learning and a motivation to go to school.

Children with their new laptops - taken from telegraph.co.uk

This campaign has seen so many beneficial impacts throughout Rwanda and these will only continue to grow as more and more children get laptops.

It is clear that ICT can be used as a really effective tool for development and through the use of ICT the future will be a better and brighter place.

To find out more about this campaign go to Ministry of Education Rwanda - OLPC

Picture of the Day 25/07/2014

Five members of our team visited a catch-up school with Madame Donatile, one of the projects we hope to get massively stuck into during our time here!

Madame Donatile with some of the children who attend the school.