Students from schools in the districts of Musanze and Gakenke are currently preparing to participate in the upcoming PISA 2025 assessment. They are focusing on improving their skills to showcase their capabilities and elevate the image of education in Rwanda on the international stage.
As the PISA 2025 assessment approaches, students from schools in Musanze and Gakenke are undergoing specific preparations. They are receiving training in various areas to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in different educational categories.
Ema Aliane Niyokwizerwa, a fourth-year student at ESSA Ruhengeri, explains that while they hadn’t initially thought about PISA, it will help them in their educational journey, enabling them to understand the differences between students from different countries at the same educational level.
She states, “You will know your skill level, and this will help you not to fear. Even if we all score the same, it will show that the education we received in our country is comparable to that in other countries, so there’s no need to worry about being outperformed by someone from another country.”
Niyokwizerwa continues that they are preparing for the assessment by practicing with test materials to familiarize themselves with what the competition will be like. She expresses that this preparation is not intimidating to her, as the skills required align with what they already learn daily, emphasizing critical thinking.
Regarding the benefits of participating in PISA, she believes that it will help her obtain a certificate, which will be valuable for future job opportunities. “When you have a certificate, it makes it easier to apply for jobs, especially in international companies,” she adds.
Another student from ESSA Ruhengeri believes that thorough preparation is key to success. “We must study with dedication and love for our subjects so we can fully understand them and apply them in our daily lives, enabling us to move forward.”
Dr. Faustin Niyibizi, the head of ESSA Ruhengeri, mentions that they are preparing students for the general knowledge assessment, which will focus on mathematics, science, and languages, especially English. He emphasizes that this preparation will boost students’ courage and pride, enabling them to compete at an international level and bring honor to both the school and the country.
Dr. Faustin also highlights that students will be evaluated based on their ability to perform critical thinking tasks and not just memorize textbook content. He is optimistic that ESSA Ruhengeri students will represent Rwanda proudly in the international competition, particularly when they encounter students from countries like the U.S.
Kalisiti Musabyimana, the head of College Methodiste de Mushashi in Gakenke, expresses that PISA will help improve the quality of education. “Normally, we teach students to prepare them for exams, and PISA will help us assess how well they are performing compared to students from other countries. We expect this challenge to motivate our students and enhance their learning experience.”
Regarding the preparation for PISA, Musabyimana explains that they will engage in discussions with students and teachers to ensure everyone understands the purpose of PISA and its benefits, creating a culture of hard work aimed at competing internationally.
Sinzi Marie Louise, an education officer in Rushashi Sector, Gakenke District, shares that they are excited about the PISA initiative as it will help them gauge the current state of education. She emphasizes that the assessment will help them identify areas of improvement and better prepare their students for the future.
Marie Therese, the head of Gakenke District, believes that participating in PISA is a great opportunity for students. It will not only help them perform well in international competitions but also improve their academic performance and skills. “Once they succeed, they will be better equipped to lead and contribute to the development of the country,” she concludes.
The PISA assessment targets 15- and 16-year-old students from 91 countries, including Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, and Morocco. It will assess students’ competencies in reading, mathematics, and environmental science.
