RUKUNGIRI – The Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Broni Kikanshemeza, has cautioned schools against disregarding Ministry of Education and Sports directives that prohibit unauthorized holiday teaching.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The RDC made these remarks during an engagement with the press at his office on Monday, underscoring the necessity for all educational institutions to strictly observe the national schedule for school closures and reopenings.
He expressed concern over a growing trend where some schools close earlier than their counterparts or resume studies ahead of the official date, a practice he described as both indiscipline and a direct affront to the ministry’s guidelines.
“Schools must respect the uniform calendar provided by the Ministry of Education. We will not tolerate institutions that decide to operate on their own timelines. Any headteacher found closing school prematurely or reopening before the stipulated date will face severe consequences for defying these binding directives,” RDC Broni stated.
CUE IN: RDC ON SCHOOL CALENDAR. RR
Rukungiri RDC Broni Kikanshemeza then turned his focus to parents, urging them to remain actively involved in their children’s lives during the recess rather than treating the holiday as a time to abandon parental responsibilities.
He specifically cautioned families to provide extra supervision for young girls, whom he described as particularly vulnerable to heightened risks outside the structured environment of school.
“Parents must not treat this holiday as a time to abandon their responsibilities. This is the time to monitor your children closely, especially the girl-child, who often faces heightened risks when not in the structured environment of school,” he advised.
He emphasized that holistic education extends far beyond the four walls of a classroom, arguing that practical skills and a strong work ethic are essential for young people to thrive in society.
“Education is not only about passing exams. We must prepare our children for life. Involving them in work at home teaches them responsibility and equips them with skills they will need as adults,” he remarked.
The RDC reiterated the outright ban on holiday teaching, warning that any headteacher found organizing remedial classes or extra coaching during the break will be held fully accountable.
“I want to make it crystal clear: holiday teaching is banned. Do not misuse this time. Allow our children to rest and rejuvenate,” he added.
CUE IN: RDC CAUTION ON EXTRA CLASSES. RR
According to the Ministry of Education and Sports’ 2026 School Calendar, Term One of the 2026 academic year for primary and secondary schools was originally set to resume on February 2 but was extended to February 10, 2026, due to the general elections.
The first term ran up to May 1, 2026, with the second term resuming on May 25 and scheduled to close on August 21/22, 2026. Term III is also expected to run from September 14 and close on Friday, December 4, 2026.
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