PEFA Wisdom School Drives Change to Expand Access to Quality Education in Rwanda

PEFA Wisdom School opened in September 2009 in Kigali, Rwanda. Families in the community had no nearby school offering quality education in both French and English, even as the community continued to grow. Seeing that gap, founder Serugo Pacifique decided to act.

The school began with just 15 children from the local church community and one teacher who did not yet have formal training. There was no school building, so classes were held wherever space was available. As funds came in, mostly through support from the PEFA church, one new room was added each year. In those early days, the school had no bank account, fees were collected in cash, and children were still welcomed even when their families could not pay. No child was turned away.

“I remember when starting school, the fees were about 5000 Rwanda francs” - Serugo recalled, narrating how there was very little money, and he, being the founder, often went without a salary.

Even so, the school kept growing. Enrollment rose from 15 to 30 students in the first year. By the second year, it had reached 40, and two more teachers joined the team. By 2011, the nursery section was fully established.

Serugo Pacifique first heard about the EduQuality program from a fellow school leader who had participated in a workshop organized by Opportunity International EduFinance.

He later joined the Visionary Cluster of Opportunity International EduFinance’s Eduquality program and says the peer learning has been especially valuable. “Whenever we meet, I learn a lot from other cluster members. Networking with other school leaders helps me see where I can improve,” he said.

Several practical decisions helped shape the school’s growth. One of them was flexibility with school fees. Families who struggled to pay were not excluded. Another was a strong focus on bilingual learning in French and English. Every Friday afternoon, students take part in debates in front of teachers, parents, and community members. These sessions gave families a chance to see what their children were learning, and over time, satisfied parents became the school’s strongest ambassadors.

The school also invested in creating a better learning environment. Every classroom has been painted. A girls’ room with water, a washroom, and sanitary materials was set up and is managed by a dedicated staff member. Girls are represented in student leadership as well. Over the years, the school has also added a library, a playground with swings, and a feeding program supported by a bread-making machine.

At the end of each year, Primary 6 pupils are celebrated with a send-off that includes a Bible, school supplies, and pocket money. The school has kept this tradition for 7 consecutive years.

Before the School Leadership Professional Development (SLPD) workshops, the school did not have a structured approach to budgeting or branding. After completing SLPD 1 and 2, that changed. Signposts were installed around the community, and the school’s logo, vision, mission, and values were displayed clearly on campus. Budget planning became a regular management practice. The school also strengthened relationships with nearby schools, including donating 60 desks to a neighboring school.