More Than 26,000 Refugee Children Integrated into the National Education System

KIREHE, February 23, 2026 - More than 26,000 refugee children living in Mahama Camp in Kirehe District are currently enrolled in Rwanda’s education system, benefiting from access to primary, secondary and vocational education as part of the country’s broader refugee integration policy. Mahama Camp, the largest refugee settlement in Rwanda, hosts approximately 72,340 refugees from 14 countries, with the majority originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. Among them, over 26,000 students attend schools across different educational levels. Refugee families in the camp benefit from improved living conditions, including basic infrastructure, cooking gas distribution, and access to public services, while children attend both nearby public schools and technical and vocational training institutions. Investment in Vocational Education Under the Jyambere Project, authorities have invested heavily in vocational training infrastructure to support refugee education in Kirehe District. Two major technical secondary schools were constructed to expand opportunities for young refugees. Musaza Technical Secondary School (TSS) received more than 2 billion Rwandan francs in funding, including modern equipment, while Bukora TSS benefited from investments exceeding 3.5 billion Rwandan francs. These institutions provide training in fields such as electrical engineering, tailoring, and other technical professions, preparing students for employment or further studies. Refugee Students Embrace Opportunities Many refugee students say access to education has allowed them to build skills and plan for a better future. An 18-year-old student studying electrical engineering at Musaza TSS explained that growing up in Rwanda allowed him to pursue his education without interruption or discrimination. He expressed confidence that his technical skills would help him secure employment or continue to university studies after graduation. Another student enrolled in tailoring training highlighted the equal treatment between refugee and local students, noting that she hopes to use her education to help her family overcome poverty. Equal Access to Public Services Local authorities emphasize that refugees in Mahama Camp benefit from equal access to education, healthcare, and economic services under national regulations. Officials say integrating refugees into public services not only improves living standards but also contributes to local development, as refugees bring valuable skills and economic potential to host communities. Infrastructure Development Over the past seven years, the Jyambere Project has supported infrastructure development in six refugee-hosting districts, including Gisagara, Nyamagabe, Karongi, Gicumbi, Gatsibo, and Kirehe. In Kirehe alone, the project has: Built Musaza TSS and Bukora TSS Constructed a two-story building at Kirehe Hospital Begun renovation of Nyarubuye Health Center into a district hospital Upgraded facilities serving both refugees and host communities Rising Number of Refugee Students Recent education data shows a steady increase in the number of refugee students enrolled in Rwandan schools. During the 2023-2024 academic year, refugee enrollment rose by 10.9%, increasing from 39,728 students in 2022-2023 to 44,051 students. Of these students: 51.3% were boys 48.7% were girls The continued expansion of education access, particularly in technical and vocational training, is seen as a key factor in improving self-reliance and long-term prospects for refugee communities in Rwanda.