In the quiet hills of Rusororo Sector in Gasabo District, many children begin their school day with hope — a hope that education will open doors to a brighter future. But for many families, that hope is becoming more difficult to achieve.
Public schools in Rusororo continue to face challenges that directly affect students’ learning. Many children lack basic study materials such as textbooks, exercise books, and proper desks. Some schools operate without well-equipped libraries or computer labs, unlike private institutions that benefit from modern tools and better facilities.
These challenges mostly affect children from low-income families who rely entirely on public education. With limited school resources and sometimes a shortage of trained teachers, their performance often falls behind that of students in private schools.
“I always try my best, but sometimes I can’t finish all lessons because we don’t have enough materials for every student,” said Mr. Mugisha, a teacher at one of the public schools. “We need more books, better classrooms, and training to use modern teaching methods.”
The issue continues to grow as Rusororo’s population increases. More families are moving into the area each year, yet the number of classrooms has not expanded fast enough to meet the demand.
A concerned parent, Mrs. Uwase, shared: “My son loves school, but sometimes I can’t afford all the materials he needs. It hurts to see him struggle when I know he has potential.”
Financial limitations remain at the center of the problem. Many parents are unable to afford private school fees, while public schools depend on government funding, which does not always cover the full needs of a fast-growing community. Some students drop out because their families cannot afford school uniforms, small fees, or daily meals.
Poor infrastructure — including aging roofs and overcrowded classrooms — also creates uncomfortable learning environments, especially during rainy seasons.
According to Gasabo District education officer, Mr. Ndahiro, both government and community involvement are essential to improving the situation. “We are aware of the challenges and are working to improve infrastructure and teacher training,” he said. “Parents and local leaders must also collaborate to support school projects and keep children in school.”
Experts suggest strengthening teacher capacity, increasing the education budget, building more classrooms, and ensuring equal access to learning materials like digital tools. Community support through fundraising, volunteering, and helping vulnerable children stay in school can also make a big difference.
Every child in Rusororo deserves an equal opportunity to succeed — and quality education should not be determined by family income.
