Teaching English in Rwanda and Traveling to Columbus: Simeon Bimenyimana Shares His Experience

One of our speakers and international partners, Simeon Bimenyimana, led a workshop at our Refugee Integration Conference explaining the Rwandan educational system. Simeon works at Indashyikirwa College, a secondary school located in Boneza Sector, Rutsiro District, Western Province of the Republic of Rwanda.

Indashyikirwa College, Rwanda

Indashyikirwa College believes access to education is a fundamental right for all and not just a privilege for those who can afford it. It aims to provide a world class secondary school education for girls and boys in Rwanda by supporting the ‘whole girl-boy’ initiative through a boarding school environment. The school supports an environment of academic excellence, ensuring that students become inspired young leaders filled with confidence, a love of learning, and a sense of economic empowerment that will strengthen their communities and Rwanda’s growth.

Indashyikirwa College envisions quality secondary education that is universally accessible and equitable. Its goal is to equip Rwanda’s youth with the necessary skills and tools to develop the next generation of skilled and compassionate leaders. Staff at Indashyikirwa envision being able to use student centered techniques to optimize learners’ potential.

Students at Indashyikirwa College

Indashyikirwa College teaches students English because it is a language of world business. Students that can speak English will learn critical analysis and peacemaking skills. These skills will be taught with a sense of urgency to help students make a valuable contribution to the sustained growth of Rwanda. The school envisions being able to use ICT to improve the quality of education, support the emergence of teaching and pedagogical student- centered approaches, and encourage research, communication and collaborative learning.

At Indashyikirwa College, it’s all about the students; the school provides high quality secondary education in Rwanda by offering a secure and nurturing school environment that transforms youth into future leaders and problem solvers who champion environmental sustainability and social change. It educates and empowers girls and boys of Rwanda to reach their highest potential.

Indashyikirwa College provides quality higher education programs that match the labor market and Rwanda’s development needs.  By doing so, youth that may be capable of contributing to national economic and social needs can compete on the international labor market. The school also helps youth become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and job creators.

The school helps young Rwandan people maximize resources for academic rigor and excellence through English language development, effective teaching methodologies and technology that make teaching learning relevant to the emerging world.

This is what Simeon had to say about his experience in Columbus:

“I was honored to be invited to participate in Refugee Integration Conference by US Together on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 in Dublin, Ohio where I was given the opportunity to speak about education in Rwanda that empowers Rwandan young people with necessary skills and knowledge to become brilliant future leaders striving for the unity and reconciliation among Rwandans. I also attended US Together’s International Migration Film Festival at Ohio University Dublin Campus.

On Friday, October 11, 2019, I spoke at Ohio TESOL Conference on education in Rwanda where English is a language of instruction in all the schools since 2008.  I had also had the opportunity to attend Ohio TESOL’s Recognition of support for Marcie Williams International Travel Grant.

Simeon with Dr. Brenda Custodio

I offer special thanks to Nadia Kasvin, the Director of US Together and her staff and all members for hosting a trip to Rwanda last January, during which three members of the trip visited my school, leading to my eventual two- week visit to Columbus – an amazing city. May God command blessings to you all.

My special thanks also extend to Mrs. Cori Stevens, the President of Ohio TESOL and her team for providing the funding to visit Ohio. My visit to the United States has offered an outstanding opportunity to learn new skills and methodologies for teaching English to both Rwandan educators and students.

My heartfelt thanks are extended to Dr. Brenda Custodio for her outstanding commitment, love, and passion during my visit to Columbus. I also extend my gratitude to her for an amazing stay at her residence. May the Most High command blessings in her work and continue make His Face shine on her.

Many thanks to the family of Chris O’Dee and Vanessa Borden with Avie, their daughter, for the incomparable love and exceptional stay at their residence when I was in Columbus. May the Lord bless your pockets.

I express my deepest gratitude to Kathy Jimenez, Allen Iacobucci, Doreen, Dr. Diane Ross, Teresa Troyer, pastors and Christians at Dayspring Community Nazarene Church, Mr. Mark Paskert and her wife Valerie, Ignatius Ahiaveh, Eric Gulley, Judith B. O’Loughlin, Mr. Martin Mattei sister Maria Santana, two friends from Connecticut who came to see me in Columbus before flying back home, and Erica Stone among others for their time, love, commitment, guidance, and generosity during my stay in Columbus. You are all in the bottom of my heart.”