PIVOT ACADEMY

  • Rwanda

The school of 750 children lacked basic necessities including books, running water, and trained teachers. With support from Mothering Across Continents (MAC), Jerri returned in 2010 with five teachers and advisors to help craft a vision for the future. What emerged was a 20-foot mural and 50 paintings called "This is Our Dream."

In 2009, Jerri Hatch visited Mwiko Primary School while gorilla-trekking among volcanoes in Rwanda.

Mwiko Primary School

After just one year of support, 35 out of 40 sixth graders passed their national exams. This success attracted new partners who helped improve the school further. Inspired by this progress, students began dreaming of continuing to secondary school. In response, we launched the Mentoring Mwiko merit-based scholarship fund and support program. By 2014, there were 18 scholars in secondary school, with many of the girls attending an institute specializing in math, science, and technology classes.

Today, Mwiko is the top-performing school in its sector, with an average of 12 students annually qualifying for government secondary school placements.

In 2015, the Rwanda Education Board introduced a new competency-based curriculum. To implement this, teachers needed training to help students become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and drivers of change . . .

Pivot Academy

In 2016, we initiated an intensive STEM and ICT education, training, and mentoring program for primary and secondary school teachers. Pivot Academy also distributes hands-on toolkits, materials, tablets, and basic smartphones that Science and Math teachers in designated primary schools can use to share knowledge and planning across participating schools. All curricula and learning materials are aligned with Rwandan national education standards.

The project is complemented by a collaboration with North Carolina State University (NCSU) including bringing undergraduate and graduate students from the College of Engineering to help deliver training sessions.

All-in for STEM

The goal is to develop the participating schools further as models for integrating the Rwandan curriculum with hands-on STEM/ICT education, enhancing English language skills, and helping to make rural schools more competitive within Rwanda and beyond.

Our initiatives in Rwanda support six public primary schools in the Kinoni sector of Burera District and three secondary schools across Burera and Musanze Districts. We also collaborate with secondary schools in Ruhango District.

Our programs focus on three key areas:

  1. Teacher development and training

  2. Merit-based scholarships

  3. Expanding STEM and ICT education through classroom innovation, STEAM fairs, and science camps

In partnership with North Carolina State University, more than 30 students and STEM professionals deliver Pivot Academy science training to students and teachers each year.

Support in Rwanda

  • 60

    Secondary school and university scholarships

  • 100

    Tablets and Smartphones to support English, STEM, and ICT education

  • 130

    Primary and secondary school teachers trained

  • 2500

    P4, P5, S4 and S5 students involved in hands-on learning activities

Support STEM/ICT teacher and student training in Rwanda

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