When the world’s top cyclists race through Kigali in September, students across the city will also be part of the historic moment though not in their classrooms.
The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) has announced that all schools in Kigali will close temporarily from September 21 to 28, 2025, as Rwanda hosts the UCI Road World Championships. Classes will resume on September 29.
The ministry said the decision, taken in collaboration with the City of Kigali, aims to ease preparations, manage traffic, and ensure the safety of residents and visitors during the weeklong event.
But the school break is not meant to be idle time. MINEDUC has encouraged schools to assign home-based learning, explore online lessons, and prepare activities that keep learners engaged. A special education booklet on cycling, developed with the Rwanda Education Board (REB), is also available online to help students discover more about the sport and Rwanda’s place in the global spotlight.
“This is a chance for students to go beyond books and understand the values of international sports, discipline, teamwork, and resilience while also appreciating Rwanda’s role as the first African nation to host this competition,” the ministry said.
Parents and teachers are being urged to support students in using the time productively, both for study and for following the championship, which is expected to draw thousands of athletes, fans, and media to Kigali.
For many young people, the event will be more than a race; it will be a live lesson in culture, sportsmanship, and Rwanda’s growing role on the world stage.
