The Rwanda Cooperation Initiative (RCI) was delighted to host a cheerful and curious group from the Uganda Precious Moments Schools - Nabbingo, on a study visit focused on Rwanda's Cultural and Environmental Discovery.

While the overall mission spanned insights into unique sceneries and cultural assets, the visit, which took place from October 8th to 12th, 2025, marked a significant milestone in Rwanda-Uganda South-South Cooperation (SSC) due to its unique focus. The school, a private institution offering nursery and primary education in Uganda’s Wakiso District, centered its exchange on understanding Rwanda’s successful strategies for nurturing dedicated environments for early childhood development and foundational learning.

This was no ordinary visit. The delegation, made of 49 participants including teachers, school administrators, media personnel, and 37 students from nursery to Primary 7, became the youngest group ever received by RCI. Their week in Rwanda focused on learning about how the country promotes early childhood education, environmental protection, and cultural values as part of its development journey.

Insights into Education, Culture, and Environment

The delegation engaged in a comprehensive program tailored for educational and cultural exchange. From the first day, their energy filled every space they visited. At Groupe Scolaire Kimironko 2, a 12-year basic education school, the Ugandan pupils joined their Rwandan counterparts in classrooms and playgrounds, sharing songs, games, and laughter. One young student, Mutebi, proudly shared his new word in Kinyarwanda: “Waramutse!” meaning good morning.

In a dedicated focus on environmental and cultural discovery, later, the group explored Nyandungu Eco-Park, where teachers and older students learned about how the park helps protect Kigali’s environment while offering green, peaceful spaces for learning and recreation. “I saw that Kigali is clean!” one student exclaimed, a moment that captured the goal of the visit perfectly.

The delegation also took time to honor Rwanda’s history. They visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and attended Sunday Mass at Saint Michael Parish.

Their tour continued with visits to the Kigali Convention Centre and BK Arena, where they learned how these spaces showcase Rwanda’s growth, youth engagement and innovation. “I learned that BK Arena was built in only nine months!” another student marveled, wide-eyed with inspiration.

Strengthening Cooperation through Shared Values

This visit added a special note to the growing cooperation between Rwanda and Uganda, especially in education and cultural exchange. Rwanda has hosted several Ugandan delegations in the past, from Uganda’s Ministry of Education to Makerere University and many more institutions, yet this one stood out for its youthful spirit and its message that learning together starts early. Indeed, this will enable the next generation of East African citizens to be equipped with stronger foundational knowledge and regional perspectives.

By supporting visits like these, Rwanda Cooperation continues to promote people-to-people exchanges, where understanding, friendship, and shared values lay the foundation for a stronger Africa. As one teacher put it, “Our children are going home inspired. They have seen how much we can learn from one another.”