August 2, 2024
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Winner of Learning Technologies' 2023 Gold Award
“This project demonstrates excellence in learning design and technology, adapting the existing platform to the needs of Rwandan learners. Whilst the data spoke realms, the stories shared showed the life-changing impact on individual lives and careers.” – Learning Technologies
Learn more about the prestigious Learning Technologies’ 2023 Gold Award for best project in the public and non-profit sector.
An initiative focused on teaching young Rwandans English and other critical skills is improving work opportunities while giving a needed boost to the country’s tourism and hospitality industry. "Hanga Ahazaza" is an award-winning collaboration between EF, the Rwanda Development Board, and the Mastercard Foundation.
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The Hanga Ahazaza program is an extensive training initiative for people employed in Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality sectors. During the 12-month program, students use EF Corporate Learning's platform – EF Language Live – to improve their English proficiency and communication skills. Additionally, they acquire industry-specific knowledge through lessons covering language, communication, work-readiness, employment skills, and information specific to tourism.
English language skills have been in high demand since 2008 when Rwanda changed its national language from French to English as part of a strategic move to drive growth and international cooperation. Training young people in English language and communication skills is a cornerstone of the Rwandan government's strategy to reverse pandemic-related tourism industry losses.
There are already encouraging signs for the industry, with Rwanda's economy steadily growing since 2021, thanks in part to the revival of the tourism sector.
“When I started the program, I also started training people in my community. I am now an English teacher thanks to the knowledge I received from the program.”
Since the start of this collaborative program in May 2020, 37,000 Rwandans have participated, and the program has already seen some very positive results. On average, learners improved their English proficiency by more than one full CEFR level, an international standard that assesses language ability.
Participants have also reported gains in confidence and communication skills at work (60+%), helping them take the next steps in growing their careers. A sizeable proportion have also received job promotions (37%) or new roles (56%). In addition, many reported getting involved in new areas of tourism, including animal conservation, coffee & tea tours, as well as hotel and restaurant management.
Perhaps most notably, 71% of learners said they now feel 'very confident' speaking in English with clients – up from just 17% before they started the program.
With this level of progress, tens of thousands of young Rwandans are ready to welcome the world to their country. In partnering with the Mastercard Foundation and the Rwanda Development Board, we are helping to future-proof the tourism sector in one of Africa's flourishing countries.
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37,000
+
learners so far
1M
+
lessons completed
71%
now feel 'very confident' communicating in English with clients
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