By Faith Nyasuguta
Rwanda has reopened its schools for the third term after the state lifted the 15-day lockdown on Kigali, the capital and eight other districts on Monday.
The lockdown was imposed after Covid-19 cases and fatalities jumped weeks ago following the delta variant.
Rwanda’s education ministry noted that schools’ reopening would aid learners to complete the school calendar.
The calendar was previously interrupted when all learning institutions were forced to shut down on June 29 over a coronavirus infections spike.
Other areas of Rwanda are still under locally imposed lockdowns until August 10.
Education officials however indicate that students and tutors in the affected areas will be supported to proceed with seamless learning.
“Local authorities will offer necessary facilitation for teachers and learners, and will make sure that learning resumes while diligently observing Covid-19 protocols,” the ministry said in a notice to learning institutions.
“The ministry calls upon schools to observe Covid-19 preventive measures which include physical distancing, proper wearing of face masks, handwashing with clean water and soaps or use of sanitizers, and keeping windows open.”
At the same time, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has landed in Kigali, Rwanda for her maiden state visit.
Suluhu was received at Kigali International Airport by Dr. Vincent Biruta, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister.
During her two-day visit, the head of state is set to hold private talks with incumbent President Paul Kagame.
The two Heads of State are set to pen bilateral agreements and briefly address journalists on Monday evening.
President Samia and her delegation will also be hosted by president Kagame for a State Banquet at the Kigali Convention Centre Monday evening.
