APIE's Journey
During a period of rapid educational expansion in post-conflict Rwanda, Brooks Newmark and Kitty Llewellyn responded to a request for help to build a school. Together, they founded A Partner in Education (APIE) and built Umubano Academy. From there, in line with the aims of the Rwandan Government, APIE developed its vision beyond just providing access to schooling, to providing quality, inclusive education informed by best practice; creating a model of excellence to be shared and disseminated across the educational profession in Rwanda in the hope of reaching as many teachers, students and communities as possible.
242 pupils on roll.
All staff trained in special educational needs and ICT programme implemented.
UPS provides placements for Early Years trainee teachers.
New Rwandan curriculum introduced; Government recognises UPS as an exemplary school.
UK Masters Students conduct research on APIE model.
New land acquired to build community centre.
Scholarship Fund phase 2 launched.
UPS learning network begins. Connections made both locally and internationally.
185 students enrolled.
In-house professional development takes place regularly with staff team.
Construction begins on expanding the school's infrastructure to include secondary classrooms and a multi-purpose hall.
APIE continues to define the model of working in partnership for lasting and measurable impact.
260 pupils on roll.
SEN Teacher is employed to teach children requiring specialist support.
UPS Lead Teachers deliver training for interns and in-service teachers from other schools.
Secondary unit opens and school is renamed Umubano Academy.
APIE scales back operational support to school, providing expertise and support where requested, in order to focus on the expansion of outreach work.
Two year UK Aid-funded programme EQUIP (Enhancing Quality Instruction in Pre-primary, Rwanda) commences; UK operations scale back further as APIE Rwanda takes over more of the operations.
Multi-purpose hall opens. APIE UK scales back support as strategic direction increases in Rwanda.
280 pupils on roll.
Teacher training programme continues and expands.
Broader education strategy developed, with local, national and international partnerships to enhance quality education.
247 pupils, 15 teachers. Scholarship Fund initiated to support 30 children whose families cannot afford to send them to school. £10,000 raised.
Peace Education programme starts. Focus on becoming a model of excellence in Special Educational Needs and Early Years Education.
Umubano Primary School (UPS) opens with 13 teachers and the first intake of 115 students.
APIE is founded in Kigali, Rwanda.
2016
2015
2014
2013
2009
2017
2018
2019
2020
A new library is constructed and solar panels are installed at Umubano Academy.
APIE Rwanda continues to offer operational support to Umubano Academy and launches the Coronavirus Hardship Appeal to support the school community during school closures.
The EQUIP course is implemented in 232 schools across Rwanda
Education for Peace is created and research begins, focusing on children's personal, social and emotional skills development.
2021
Umubano Academy has its first Secondary 3 candidate class.
The library at Umubano Academy is furnished with modern facilities and an outdoor reading and meeting space is constructed.
Phase II of EQUIP is implemented in 16 Teacher Training Colleges and 52 Model Schools. 2,662 beneficiaries took part in this course, which improved their knowledge of the early childhood curriculum, play-based learning practices and promoted the use of positive behaviour management. This course benefited the learning of over 30,000 children.
The Education for Peace pilot is launched in 1 Teacher Training College and 6 schools in Kicukiro District.
2022
Umubano Academy's first Secondary 3 class sat national exams, achieving incredible results.
A Creative arts programme is launched at Umubano Academy and an art auction takes place featuring the students' artwork.
Weekly CPD sessions start at Umubano Academy, designed and delivered by APIE and Umubano Academy leadership.
Students' families support planting trees at Umubano Academy campus to improve soil retention.
Education for Peace is launched in 16 Teacher Training Colleges and 16 Model Schools. Cluster workshops take place across the country to support with course engagement. Policy writing training was designed and delivered to all Teacher Training College principals and model school Head Teachers.
APIE becomes the lead Rwanda country implementer of the Innovative Pedagogies project for the Education Commission.