NESA Urges Parents to Send Learners to School on Time as Second Term Begins

As the second term of the 2025/2026 academic year officially began on Tuesday, the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) has noted that while a large number of learners have already reported to schools across the country, some are yet to do so. The authority is therefore calling on parents and guardians to ensure their children return to school on time to avoid missing lessons.

On Tuesday afternoon, Huye Bus Park in Huye District was busy with students carrying school bags, suitcases, and other personal belongings as they prepared to board vehicles heading to various boarding and day schools. The scene reflected the nationwide movement of learners returning to school for the start of the second term of the 2025/2026 academic year.

Similar activity was observed in other bus parks and towns across Rwanda, including Nyabugogo in the City of Kigali, Musanze, Rubavu, Nyagatare, and Rusizi, where students were seen traveling to schools located in different parts of the country.

Among the institutions receiving students this term are several secondary and technical schools, including Groupe Scolaire Nyamagabe, Ecole des Sciences Byimana, IPRC Musanze, Gahini Secondary School, Lycée de Kigali, and College Saint André.

Students interviewed expressed readiness and determination to work harder during the new term. Niyonzima Patrick, a student at Groupe Scolaire Nyamagabe, said they had returned with clear academic goals. “We came back to school determined to work hard. We hope this term will help us perform better and prepare for a brighter future,” he said.

Mukamana Aline, a student at Ecole des Sciences Byimana, emphasized the importance of reporting to school on time despite long travel distances. “We made sure to arrive early so that we can start lessons properly and not miss important topics taught at the beginning of the term,” she noted.

Another student, Habumuremyi Jean Claude from IPRC Musanze, highlighted the importance of punctuality, especially in technical education. “This term requires more effort in both theory and practical lessons. Reporting to school on time helps us start well,” he said.

On the administrative side, Kavutse Vianey Augustin, Director of School Inspection and Education Quality Assurance at NESA, said that overall student attendance is encouraging, although a few learners have not yet reported. “Across the country, many learners have returned to school on time, but there are still some who have not yet reported,” he said. “We urge parents to send their children as soon as possible so they do not fall behind academically.”

He further advised students to maintain good discipline and focus on their studies, noting that compliance with school rules, schedules, and academic timetables plays a major role in improving the quality of education.

Kavutse also reminded parents and guardians of their responsibility to adequately prepare learners before sending them to school. “Parents should ensure that their children are well prepared, equipped with the necessary school materials, and sent to school on time,” he emphasized.

According to the 2025–2026 academic calendar released by the Ministry of Education, NESA reminded that all boarding school learners are required to report to their respective schools no later than January 6, 2026. The authority also stressed that adhering to the designated travel schedule helps prevent delays and loss of valuable learning time.