News

UR-CE distributing umbrellas to motocyclists in Nyagatare town

In a continued effort to positively impact local communities, the University of Rwanda - College of Education (UR-CE), through its innovative 4-in-1 Literacy Model Project, has been working to equip residents of Nyagatare and Kayonza districts with essential skills and support. As part of its community outreach initiatives, UR-CE recently provided motorcyclists in Nyagatare Town with umbrellas designed to shelter passengers from the elements, enhancing comfort and safety for both riders and their passengers.

“These umbrellas will protect our passengers and make work easier,” said one motorcyclist in Nyagatare, praising the university’s efforts. The gesture is part of the broader commitment of the 4-in-1 Literacy Model Project to improve the quality of life for community members, particularly those who have missed out on formal schooling.

The 4-in-1 Literacy Model Project is a comprehensive educational initiative that focuses on teaching literacy, numeracy, and basic digital skills to adults who were unable to access formal education earlier in life. The program is structured to ensure that participants acquire knowledge in four key languages : Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Kiswahili, allowing them to better communicate and engage in various aspects of daily life, as well as in the broader workforce.

Since its inception, the project has made significant strides. To date, over 400 adults from the Nyagatare and Kayonza districts have completed the program and received certificates, a remarkable achievement that demonstrates the success of the initiative. Participants have learned vital skills that can significantly improve their livelihood and contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities.

The project has also reached out to specific groups, including motorcyclists in the region, who are now benefiting from both educational and material support. In its third phase, the program is currently training around 120 motorcyclists—60 in Nyagatare and 60 in Kayonza—on literacy, numeracy, and basic digital skills. These motorcyclists are essential to the daily transportation needs of the communities and are receiving practical training that can enhance their efficiency and safety on the road.

The positive impact of the 4-in-1 Literacy Model Project is evident in the personal stories of its participants. One motorcyclist shared how the project has made a real difference in his work, saying, “I am now able to read and write better, and I can communicate more effectively with my passengers.

Looking ahead, the program plans to extend its outreach further. Following the successful distribution of umbrellas in Nyagatare, similar support will be provided to motorcyclists in Kayonza Town, ensuring that even more members of the community benefit from the project.

UR-CE’s 4-in-1 Literacy Model Project stands as a powerful example of how education, combined with thoughtful community support, can create lasting change. Through these efforts, the university is not only fostering skill development but also enhancing the overall well-being of residents in Nyagatare and Kayonza, reinforcing the importance of education in transforming lives.

Story by
NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac
PRO, UR-CE