Views on ProFuturo: How Digital Learning is Transforming Education in Rwanda
Learners at APADE Primary and Nursery School in Kigali
For many children in Rwanda’s schools, their first encounter with digital technology happens in the classroom. Through the ProFuturo Digital Education Program, that first experience is opening doors to new opportunities, improving learning outcomes, and empowering both teachers and students with the skills needed for the digital age.
Since its initial rollout in 2019, the ProFuturo Digital Education Program has worked to integrate digital tools into classrooms and reduce educational inequalities in vulnerable communities across Rwanda.
Launched in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), and strategic partners including Salesians of Don Bosco, World Vision, and UNHCR, the initiative continues to strengthen digital learning environments across the country.
A learner from the rural School in Muhanga District using ProFuturo Digital tool
Today, Salesians of Don Bosco supervise 42 schools across Kigali and Rwanda’s Southern Province, with an ambitious goal of directly reaching 300 teachers and empowering more than 13,000 students every year through digital education.
At GS Imenarugamba in Kicukiro District, in the City of Kigali, Headmaster Rugasire Euzebius has witnessed firsthand how technology is transforming the learning experience.
“Since we started working with ProFuturo, the children have loved it and enjoyed it,” he says. “Many students in public schools come from very poor families, and for some, the first time they ever use an iPad is at school.”
Beyond providing access to technology, ProFuturo is changing the way teaching and learning take place. According to Rugasire, the program’s digital tools enable teachers to reach more learners effectively while giving students immediate feedback on their work.
Rugasire Euzebius, Headmaster at GS Imenarugamba in Kicukiro District
“Students can see the answers to questions immediately, which builds their confidence and helps them understand that technology can support their learning,” he explains. “It also makes the teacher’s work easier.”
Similar experiences are being reported at GS APADE. Jeannine Kayitesi, Director of Studies, highlights how digital learning has strengthened ICT skills while improving access to information and educational content.
“ProFuturo has helped us a lot in terms of ICT, accelerating access to information and helping children in their studies,” she says. “Students are learning how to use technology quickly and effectively.”
She also notes that when both teachers and students have access to digital learning tools, lessons become more efficient and learning objectives are achieved faster.
“When a teacher teaches with tools and students also have tools, the lesson progresses more quickly and the planned objectives are achieved in a shorter period of time,” she explains.
For Headmistress Aulea Uwingabire, the benefits are evident in students’ understanding and engagement.
“This project has helped us tremendously,” she says. “Through tablet-based learning, students are able to engage more actively with lessons, practice independently, and better understand their subjects.”
The impact is perhaps most visible in the experiences of learners themselves.
Ishimwe Joella, a Primary 6 student at APADE Primary and Nursery School, credits ProFuturo with helping her improve her academic performance in several subjects.
“I have been excelling in Social Studies, Science, and English,” she says. “When there are lessons I do not understand, ProFuturo provides explanations that help me learn more and overcome my weaknesses.”
Science has become her favorite subject.
“I love learning Science on ProFuturo because it explains the world, the seasons, and many other interesting things,” she shares.
Stories like Joella’s demonstrate how access to digital learning resources can enhance understanding, build confidence, and inspire curiosity among young learners.
As Rwanda continues its journey toward digital transformation, the ProFuturo Digital Education Program is helping ensure that children, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a technology-driven world. Through strong partnerships, dedicated educators, and innovative digital tools, thousands of students are gaining the skills and confidence they need to shape their futures.
About ProFuturo:
ProFuturo is a global digital education program launched in 2016 by the Telefónica Foundation and the “la Caixa” Foundation. Its mission is to narrow the world’s education gap by bringing quality technology-based learning to vulnerable environments across Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.
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