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UR-CE Hosts Intensive STEM Bootcamp to Accelerate Project-Based Learning at Rukara Model School
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‎Classrooms and laboratories at the University of Rwanda–College of Education (UR-CE), Rukara Campus, are hosting an intensive STEM Bootcamp during the end-of-year holiday. The training brings together secondary school students and teachers from Rukara Model School for hands-on learning and innovation.
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‎The five-day Bootcamp is organised by UR-CE in partnership with the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB). It is facilitated by UR-CE lecturers, with support from selected university students. The initiative aims to strengthen the adoption of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and promote learner-centred approaches to STEM education.

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‎A total of 102 participants are taking part in the Bootcamp. These include expert facilitators, school leaders, STEM teachers, and 61 secondary school students. Participants work on applied projects in robotics, solar energy, 3D printing, micro:bit sensors, food processing, and water filtration. These activities help learners connect classroom knowledge with real-life challenges.
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‎Students say the Bootcamp has changed how they understand science and technology.

‎“This Bootcamp helped me learn by doing. I enjoyed working with robotics and solar energy, and I now understand how science can be used to solve real problems in our school and community,” said a student from Rukara Model School.

One of the key projects focused on saponification, the process of making soap. Irambona Alice, a Senior Two student, said the activity helped her understand Chemistry in a simple and practical way.

“This Bootcamp helped me understand Chemistry better because we learned by doing. In our group, we made soap step by step, and I saw how science works in real life. Now I am able to make soap by myself, and I can teach my family and community so that we improve cleanliness and protect our environment,” she said.

She added that working in a group helped her share ideas and learn from others.
For Manzi Eric, the Bootcamp changed his attitude toward science and learning.

“Before, I thought science was very difficult. But during the Bootcamp, we worked on projects and experiments, and this helped me understand faster. I also learned how to work with others, respect different ideas, and solve problems together. This experience gave me confidence and encouraged me to like science more,” he explained.

Speaking during the Bootcamp, Prof. Pheneas Nkundabakura, Team Leader for the RQBEHCD/Sub-Component 1.2 project and chief organiser, highlighted the long-term vision of the initiative.

‎“This Bootcamp is more than a training. It is the spark that will ignite a culture of innovation, creativity, and practical problem-solving in our schools. By empowering teachers and students with Project-Based Learning skills, we are preparing learners who can think critically, collaborate effectively, and respond to real-world challenges with confidence,” he said.
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‎The current Bootcamp builds on earlier efforts to promote STEM education through hands-on learning. In September 2023, UR-CE organised the first STEM Bootcamp at College Saint André. The pilot brought together O’Level and Teacher Training College (TTC) students and laid the foundation for nurturing interest in STEM through practical and collaborative learning experiences.

‎Beyond technical skills, the Bootcamp at UR Rukara Campus also strengthens teamwork, creativity, and learner confidence. Teachers are supported to redesign their lessons using PBL approaches, while students gain practical experience by developing solutions to everyday problems.

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‎The STEM Bootcamp will conclude with project presentations and a reflection session. These activities will support the establishment of a sustainable Project-Based Learning community of practice at Rukara Model School. UR-CE and REB expect the initiative to inspire similar STEM learning models in other schools across Rwanda.
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‎Story by
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‎Ntirandekura Schadrac
‎PRO, UR-CE
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