Rwanda Prepares for First National Catholic Education Congress, Aiming to Transform Education
Kigali, Rwanda – Rwanda has begun preparations to host its inaugural National Congress of Catholic Education in May 2026, a direct response to the African educational pact proclaimed in the Democratic Republic of Congo in November 2022. The congress, themed “The missions of the Catholic school in the light of the global and African educational pact,” seeks to position Catholic education as a powerful catalyst for positive change within the nation.The launch event, held on August 26, 2025, was presided over by Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, archbishop of kigali and President of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda. He also serves as President of the Commission for Relations with Episcopal Conferences and Religious Congregations for the African Educational Pact.
A broad spectrum of stakeholders attended the launch, including the Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference, representatives from Justice and Peace Commissions, youth and family organizations, diocesan representatives involved in Catholic education, the national coordinator of the African Educational Pact, representatives from religious congregations engaged in Catholic education, and leaders from Catholic higher education institutions in Rwanda. A coordinator from the broader African Educational pact was also present.
The African educational pact, endorsed by bishops across the continent, calls for national Catholic education congresses to be organized, recognizing the vital role Catholic schools can play in societal growth. Rwanda’s congress aims to translate the principles of this pact into concrete action, fostering a renewed vision for Catholic education in the country.
this initiative builds on previous discussions regarding the reception of the African Educational Pact in Rwanda, as highlighted in a Vatican News report from April 2023. https://www.vaticannews.va/fr/afrique/news/2023-04/au-rwanda-une-session-sur-la-reception-du-pacte-educatif-africa.html
Further details regarding the congress agenda and specific initiatives will be released in the coming months.
Keywords: Rwanda, Catholic Education, african Educational Pact, Vatican, cardinal Kambanda, Kigali, Education Congress, Catholic Schools, Educational Reform, Africa.
