The government of Rwanda’s policy puts considerable emphasis on literacy for poverty reduction and development reduction as part of vision 2020 objectives that targets a literate society in which quality and relevant basic education are offered to the entire population.
Following the efforts put across by Rwanda to achieve a literacy society the African Economist magazine report of July 8, 2013 ranked Rwanda among top 20 countries in Africa that are most dynamic performers in the promotion of literacy programmes.
The overall report which caters 52 African economies that have managed to reduce illiteracy levels, shows how Rwanda stood second top in East Africa, and 17th in Africa with a score of 70.4 per cent
According to Esperance Muzinganyi, the officer in charge of adult literacy in the Ministry of Education, Rwanda’s has over the years mobilised adults to acquire reading and writing skills during special sessions and the turn up had been impressive.
In her explanation, the Ministry has deployed people across cells, sectors and districts to help improve literacy levels. We are proud of what has been achieved in the last few years.
Among other countries Zimbabwe tops the list with a score of 90.7 per cent, followed by Equatorial Guinea (87 per cent), South Africa on the third position scoring 86.4, Kenya (85.1 per cent) and Namibia on the fifth position with 85 per cent.
Currently Zimbabwe is the only country on the continent with a literacy rate of over 90 per cent, and Burkina Faso comes last on the list, scoring 21.8 per cent.
Tanzania scored 69.4 per cent and became 19th on the continent, Uganda, on 26th position, scored 66.8 per cent and Burundi, on 31st position with 59.3 per cent.
In Rwanda, approximately 70 percent of the adult population is able to read and write, leaving the remaining 30 percent illiterate, up from 65.3 per cent in 2006, according to the Ministry of Education.
According to 2007 to 2011 UNCEF data literacy rate in male youth between 15-24 years indicates 77 percent while in females 78 percent.
Literacy among people between 15 to 24 years stands at 83.7 per cent, the 2012 report said.
Rwanda targets 85 percent literacy rate by 2015 and 100 percent by 2020.