The Rwandan government, through the Ministry of Education, in partnership with the European Union (EU) and EU member states including Lithuania and Finland, launched Monday a two-year initiative called the “Twinning Project” aimed at strengthening early childhood education.
The launch, held on March 16, 2026, brought together over 100 participants, including government officials and education stakeholders. The project aligns with Rwanda’s Foundational Learning Strategy, focusing on improving curricula, enhancing teacher capacity at the preschool level, and refining teaching methodologies.
Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana said the project supports Rwanda’s long-term vision to build a knowledge-based education system by 2050. “This project comes at the right time as it reinforces Rwanda’s education goals. Collaboration with the EU, Lithuania, and Finland is a concrete step toward improving learning outcomes for young children,” he said.
Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana
EU Ambassador to Rwanda Belen Calvo Uyarra described the Twinning Project as a new model of partnership that allows knowledge sharing between Rwanda and EU countries. She noted that Lithuania and Finland will work closely with Rwanda and the EU to strengthen the quality of preschool education.
Jonas Petkevicius, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, and Sports in Lithuania, emphasized that investing in early education is an investment in the nation’s future. “A well-educated child becomes a citizen who builds strong institutions, innovates, and drives sustainable development,” he said.
The Twinning Project is part of a broader EU program to advance knowledge, education, and capacity in partner countries, with a total budget of €50 million (over RWF 83 billion) to support preschool education initiatives in Rwanda.
