Basic Education

In commemoration of the students massacred by the apartheid regime on June 16, 1976 in Soweto, South Africa, for demonstrating against their inferior education and demanding respect for their right to instruction in their own language, the African Union (AU) has observed the Day of the African Child (DAC) every year since 1991.

The International Day of Peace – a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples – is observed around the world on 21 September. The theme for 2017 is “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.” Education is a core element of peace.

Ministers, and ministerial representatives from 21 African countries agreed on a foundational learning starter pack model as a resource guide to ensure uniformity, continuity, and sustainability. They further resolved to collect relevant data, working with ADEA and partners, to inform policy and decisions on foundational learning, foster dialogue and peer learning, and share good practices on what works in foundational learning in support of African Union's Year of Education. 

The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi resulted in more than one million people being killed in 100 days and Rwanda became considered a failed state. Since then, Rwanda has steadily managed to move from an emergency phase into a development phase. Rwanda's education system has undergone significant change during the country’s national Vision 2020 (Republic of Rwanda, 2012). In 2015, the government drafted Vision 2050 (Republic of Rwanda, 2015), setting out a long-term strategic vision for the nation. Vision 2050 states that Rwanda's education system will be market driven and competence based.