Building Learning Foundations (BLF), in collaboration with the University of Rwanda’s College of Education (UR-CE), has launched a CPD certificate course in Leadership for learning to all 3200 head teachers of public and government aided primary schools in Rwanda. The event launch takes place On Friday July 2nd, 2021 whereby, according to BLF, the blended learning course will be delivered through online and face to face sessions which will be workplace-based, tutor- and peer-supported learning. It is expected, head teachers will access their learning materials through the University of Rwanda Moodle System using their computers or smart phones. BLF has provided each head teacher with a smart phone and internet connection to be used during the course. “The course aims to provide a learning experience that can transform primary schools. As such, it will be facilitated by UR-CE lecturers who have been upskilled to facilitate practical, interactive and activity-based adult learning that can bring about real change in the workplace. Assessment of the course will be done by evaluating evidence that shows improvement in participants’ own leadership practices and ability to lead learning in their schools.” The communique from BLF reads “The participating headteachers will learn how to support inclusive learning and how to collaborate, share ideas, find solutions, and develop innovations. In this way all primary school headteachers in the country will gain new workplace-based training and qualifications.” the communique adds “This is a great opportunity for Rwandan head teachers to learn and improve how they lead their schools. We at the college of Education are very pleased to partner with BLF in delivering this third course”. says Dr Alphonse Uworwabayeho, Head of CPD at UR-CE. “3,200 head teachers who lead public and government aided primary schools will follow a one-year CPD course hosted at the nearest TTC in their districts. Courses will include formative and summative assessment of portfolios based around structured modules, formal observation of practice, set in partnership between the University of Rwanda and Rwanda Basic Education Board”. comments Salome Ong’ele, BLF’s Team leader The UR-CE BLF Leadership for Learning CPD course is the third of the three stage CPD programme that was developed to provide all head teachers with the knowledge, skills and competence to drive school improvement in their own schools, while supporting improvements in learning in all schools. Since 2018, Building Learning Foundations in collaboration with UR-CE and REB organised and delivered a CPD certificate course to 473 head teachers known as leaders of learning and a CPD diploma course for 122 system leaders of learning in 2020.All these courses have been concluded. National Leaders of Learning (NLLs) or Local Leaders of Learning (LLLs) currently lead PLCs within their respective Districts and Sectors, which are attended by all other primary head teachers. The learning conversations on the District and Sector PLCs are focused on school development and improving learning outcomes. Who are BLF? Building Learning Foundations (BLF) is a programme of the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) and Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) that is funded by the British High Commission, Kigali as part of its Learning for all Programme in Rwanda. The programme is focused on improving learning outcomes at P1 to P5 in English and Mathematics. This is intended to improve the pupils’ learning achievement in higher grades, thereby increasing equitable access to primary and secondary education in Rwanda.
