The Political Economy of Contemporary Education and the Challenges of Switching Formal Language to English in Rwanda

Abstract

The decision to adopt English as principal medium of instruction and language of administration in Rwanda symbolises the new national development strategy within a forward-looking post-conflict society. The linguistic realities of development represented through the spread of English and the growing wealth of knowledge and intellectual capital through formal education has far-reaching consequences for Rwanda as she attempts to become globally competitive. President Paul Kagame stated: ‘ The kind of education we want for our children is that which is in line with the vision in place for the development of our country, we have to prioritise the language that will make them competent when they get on the labour market after completing school’ (Rwanda News Authority, 2010). President Kagame establishes a link between development, language and education - in order for development to be lasting, education needs to be effective and for education to be delivered successfully language policy must be clear. In October 2008 the Rwandan government constitutionally established the English language as the principal medium of communication in schools and public administration.