The landscape of education in Rwanda is undergoing a remarkable digital transformation—and Education Development Consult (EDC) is proud to be at the heart of this evolution. In a collaborative partnership with World Vision and ProFuturo, EDC conducted a rigorous independent evaluation to assess the implementation and impact of ProFuturo' s digital education program in primary schools across the country.
The
study’s findings, recently featured in the ProFuturo Observatory of Inspiring Experiences, offer powerful insights into how digital tools are
reshaping teaching and learning in low-resource settings. More importantly,
they highlight the critical role of research, partnership, and innovation in
driving sustainable educational progress.
A
Collaborative Vision for Quality Education
Led
by World Vision Rwanda, the ProFuturo program aims to improve the quality of
teaching and learning by equipping schools with digital infrastructure,
offering comprehensive teacher training, and providing curriculum-aligned
digital content. EDC was entrusted with conducting a comprehensive impact
evaluation—visiting schools, engaging with educators and stakeholders, and
analyzing the program’s outcomes on teaching practices and student engagement.
Known
for its rigorous methodologies and evidence-based approach, EDC brought a
research lens that ensured actionable, credible insights could inform future
program design, implementation, and policy dialogue.
Key
Insights from the Evaluation
EDC’s
research surfaced several key findings that highlight both the potential and
challenges of integrating technology into classrooms:
·
Empowered Educators:
Teachers reported increased confidence and motivation when using digital
resources, particularly after targeted training and support.
·
Engaged Learners:
Students responded enthusiastically to tablets and interactive digital content,
showing heightened interest and improved participation.
·
Infrastructure
Challenges: Despite progress, gaps in electricity, internet connectivity, and
hardware availability continue to limit access and consistency in some schools.
· Need for Localized Support: Teachers and program staff emphasized the ongoing need for localized content, technical support, and contextual adaptation to ensure digital tools are relevant and sustainable.
As part of the evaluation process, EDC and World Vision staff also jointly disseminated the findings to the Rwanda Education Board (REB) Senior Leadership Team, ensuring that national education leaders were engaged with the insights and could incorporate them into strategic planning.
These
findings affirm that when digital education is well-supported, it can
significantly enhance student learning and teacher effectiveness—even in
resource-constrained environments.
Photo: EDC and World Vision staff disseminating the findings to REB Senior Leadership Team
Driving
Educational Change Through Research
This
evaluation underscores the importance of embedding research and continuous
learning into educational development. By generating reliable, field-based
evidence, EDC is helping education stakeholders understand what works, why it
works, and how digital innovations can be tailored for real-world impact.
Our
work not only informs immediate program decisions but also contributes to a
broader vision of equitable, high-quality education across Rwanda and the
African continent.
Looking
Ahead
As
ProFuturo prepares to scale its impact across more schools and regions, the
insights from EDC’s evaluation in Rwanda offer a valuable roadmap. This project
is a powerful example of how thoughtful implementation, strong partnerships,
and a commitment to research can drive meaningful digital transformation in
education.
At EDC, we remain committed to advancing learning outcomes through innovation, collaboration, and evidence. Together with our partners, we are helping to shape a future where every child—no matter where they live—can thrive in a digitally enabled classroom.
Read the full feature published by World Vision and ProFuturo here: 👉 ProFuturo in Rwanda: Assessing the Impact of Digital Education in the Classroom
