Ishara Towers Rwanda and UNICEF Rwanda Partner to Advance Digital Inclusion and Foundational Learning in Rwandan Primary Schools

KIGALI, Rwanda | 14 October 2026 – Ishara Towers Rwanda and UNICEF Rwanda today announced a new partnership to help children in underserved primary schools across Rwanda access digital tools, build essential skills, and improve their foundational learning in Math and reading.

The partnership was launched at G.S. Mayange B in Bugesera District, where partners observed how shared Android smartphones can be integrated into regular lower primary English and Mathematics lessons to support foundational learning.

Through the “Digital Inclusion for Foundational Learning in Rwandan Primary Schools” programme, the partnership will support 15 primary schools, including eight in Bugesera District, with additional schools in Kigali City identified in collaboration with Rwanda Basic Education Boardwith digital learning devices, curriculum-aligned English and Mathematics content, and teacher training aimed at strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy skills among young learners.

Over the next 18 months, the initiative is expected to directly benefit 6,000 children and equip 60 teachers with practical skills to integrate digital tools into classroom teaching. Schools participating in the programme will receive laptops, Android smartphones, for shared and rotational classroom use, and access to curated educational content aligned with Rwanda’s national curriculum. The digital content will be organized by class and learning level and used during regular lower primary English and Mathematics lessons.

The programme responds to persistent inequities in access to digital learning opportunities while supporting Rwanda’s priority to strengthen foundational learning. In 2023/24, only 30 per cent of households had internet access at home, with substantially lower access in rural communities. By bringing shared devices, curriculum-aligned content and teacher support directly into classrooms, the programme will help translate digital access into practical opportunities for children to strengthen literacy and numeracy.

“This partnership reflects Ishara Towers Rwanda’s commitment to investing in Rwanda’s future through meaningful and inclusive innovation,” said Gordon Porter, Chief Executive Officer of Ishara Towers Rwanda. “We believe that every child deserves access to the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s digital world. By supporting foundational learning through appropriate technology, curriculum-aligned content and stronger teacher support, we are helping create pathways for children to build the skills they need for the future.”

Speaking about the partnership, Lieke van de Wiel, UNICEF Representative in Rwanda, said:

“Digital inclusion is essential to ensuring every child has an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. This partnership with Ishara Towers Rwanda will help bring practical, curriculum-aligned digital learning opportunities to children and teachers who need them most. As UNICEF celebrates 40 years in Rwanda, partnerships such as these demonstrate how collaboration can accelerate progress for children and advance equitable access to quality education.”

The programme aligns with Rwanda’s Education Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2029, Foundational Learning Strategy and ICT Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2029, as well as UNICEF’s Digital Education Strategy 2025–2030. Together, these frameworks prioritize stronger foundational learning, teacher capacity and equitable, meaningful use of digital technology in education. 

Implementation will be carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), district education authorities, participating schools, and an EdTech technical partner. REB will guide curriculum and content alignment, while district authorities and school leaders will support implementation and routine classroom use.

The partnership will combine device provision with practical teacher training, coaching, school-level implementation planning, monitoring, and ongoing technical support, helping ensure that digital learning becomes part of routine classroom practice rather than isolated technology use.