REFAC

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OUR PROGRAMS & STRATEGIC AREAS

REFAC’s programs and strategic areas reflect its commitment to expanding learning opportunities, advancing inclusion, strengthening governance, and generating evidence for education reform.

We focus our expertise on five core strategic goals designed to drive national development and align with Global Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).

REFAC

“Education Without Barriers”

True education policies must:

  • Recognize diversity – respecting the unique identities, abilities, and needs of learners.
  • Ensure inclusion – removing barriers so that marginalized and vulnerable groups are not left behind.
  • Guarantee equity – giving every learner the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

— Benson Rukabu

REFAC

“Education Without Barriers”

Inclusive policies are not only about access, but also about justice, dignity, and opportunity. By embracing diversity, Rwanda moves closer to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education for All.

“An inclusive education system is the foundation of a just and thriving society.”

— Benson Rukabu

REFAC

“Education Without Barriers”

At Rwanda Education for All Coalition (REFAC), we believe that every child, youth, and learner—regardless of background, gender, disability, or socio-economic status—has the right to equal access to quality education.

REFAC

“Education Without Barriers”

“Education must be inclusive, diverse, and equitable.”

Benson Rukabu,
National Coordinator, REFAC

I.

Education Access and Skills Development Program

Focus: Expanding learning opportunities across the life cycle.

Includes:

  • • Early Childhood Education
  • • Adult Literacy
  • • Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

II.

Inclusive and Equitable Education Program

Focus: Ensuring marginalized groups can access and benefit from education.

Includes:

  • • Special Needs / Inclusive Education (children with disabilities)
  • • Girls’ and Women’s Education
  • • Community awareness campaigns such as the African Child Day

III.

Education Governance, Advocacy and Accountability Program

Focus: Strengthening education system governance and transparency.

Includes:

  • • Policy advocacy with the Ministry of Education Rwanda
  • • Local school governance initiatives such as Twiyubakire Imiyoborere y’Uburezi
  • • Monitoring education resource allocation

IV.

Research, Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Program

Focus: Evidence generation and strengthening institutional capacity.

Includes:

  • • Education research and evidence-based reforms
  • • Data collection and validation using digital tools (e.g., Kobo Toolbox)
  • • Monitoring and evaluation
  • • Capacity building for teachers and civil society organizations
  • • Partnerships with bodies like the Global Partnership for Education, Global Campaign for Education and African Network
Projects

OUR PROJECTS

Our projects reflect REFAC’s deep commitment to transforming Rwanda’s education system through strong civil society leadership, evidence-based advocacy, and genuine inclusion. From strengthening accountable and citizen-centered education governance to advancing inclusive digital transformation, promoting gender equity, and enhancing national policy influence, each initiative is designed to bridge gaps between policy and practice, empower marginalized learners, and deliver quality education for every child. Together, these efforts build lasting capacity, foster collaboration with government and communities, and drive measurable progress toward national priorities and global goals ensuring no child is left behind.

PROJECT 1

Strengthening National Civil Society Achievements towards Inclusive and Gender-Responsive Education Planning and Policy Processes (Education Out Loud – OC1):

The Strengthening National Civil Society Achievements project, funded by Education Out Loud (EOL) Operational Component 1 (OC1) and implemented by the Rwanda Education for All Coalition (REFAC), empowers civil society to play a more influential role in shaping inclusive and gender-responsive education policies and plans. By enhancing participation, building evidence, and fostering collaborative learning, the initiative ensures that marginalized voices especially girls, children with disabilities (CWDs), youth, and vulnerable communities are heard and reflected in national education decisions that affect their future.

Project 1 Strengthening National Civil Society Achievements Education Out Loud conference

The project implemented in Kicukiro, Gasabo, Nyarugenge and Rulindo districts strengthens REFAC’s 23-member coalition and expands its reach to additional civil society actors, working at both national and district levels to engage in key policy processes such as the Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) review, Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Partnership Compact implementation, and national budget analysis. It aligns directly with Rwanda’s Education Sector Strategic Plan, the National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2), Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), and GPE strategic objectives by promoting meaningful civil society participation, gender equality, and evidence-based planning that delivers equitable quality education for all.

PROJECT 2

Role of CSOs to Ensure Gender Equity and Inclusion through Quality Education in Rwanda (Programme CLE Micro-Project):

The Role of CSOs to Ensure Gender Equity and Inclusion through Quality Education micro-project, funded by Programme CLE and implemented by the Rwanda Education for All Coalition (REFAC), empowers civil society, communities, and schools to advance gender equality and inclusive education across Rwanda. By placing women, girls, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized learners at the center of advocacy and action, the project breaks down barriers and creates lasting opportunities for every child to thrive in a fair and supportive education system.

PROJECT 3

Twiyubakire Imiyoborere y’Uburezi: Strengthening accountable, inclusive and citizen-centered education governance in Rwanda.

The Twiyubakire Imiyoborere y’Uburezi project, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO-UK) in partnership with Trócaire and implemented the Rwanda Education for All Coalition (REFAC), empowers communities, schools, and local authorities to build stronger, more transparent, and responsive education systems.

PROJECT 4

Generation Digital! Civil Society Advocacy on Inclusive Digital Transformation for the Next Generation in Rwanda.

The GenerationDigital! project, supported by GIZ through the Global Campaign for Education (GCE) and implemented by the Rwanda Education for All Coalition (REFAC), empowers civil society organizations, education practitioners, and communities to champion inclusive digital transformation in basic education.