More than 19,000 learners across
#Rwanda had not returned to school nearly a month after the 2026/27 academic year began on September 7.
• Financial difficulties, lack of school materials, family challenges, and some learners dropping out to seek work are among the reasons for the delay.
• The Western Province recorded 15,993 learners who had not returned out of 1,041,859 expected to report for the new academic year.
• In the Northern Province, 3,793 learners had not returned, including 1,202 in Musanze, 1,050 in Rulindo, 798 in Burera, 523 in Gakenke, and 220 in Gicumbi.
• Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde said delayed return was linked to factors including inadequate parental follow-up, weak cooperation between parents, teachers, and schools, and limited appreciation of the importance of education in some families.
• In the Western Province, authorities said some parents were unable to provide all required school materials immediately and encouraged families to communicate with schools so children can continue attending lessons as they seek the missing materials.
• In the Southern Province, 98.8% of learners expected to attend school from nursery to Senior Six had reported, but authorities said some older or late-starting learners had dropped out to seek income or engage in work.
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