The Maranyundo Training and Learning Center (MTLC)
MTLC Architectural Plan Drawings
Background
In response to the challenges of the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, Maranyundo ensured uninterrupted learning by investing in technology. Students received smartphones for remote communication, minimizing learning loss and facilitating connectivity during COVID lockdowns. Additionally, Maranyundo launched a student laptop program in 2021, providing every high school student with a personal laptop for hybrid learning. This initiative aligns with Rwanda's Vision 2050 for inclusive participation in a digitally-literate society. Teachers also received laptops for lesson planning and internet-based teaching across the Benebikira network.
Student and Teacher Laptops
The MTLC
Building on this success and driven by a commitment to address educational inequities beyond MGS, Maranyundo launched the Maranyundo Training and Learning Center (MTLC). The MTLC will serve as a hub of innovation, extending critical resources, programming, and training to teachers, students, community members, and schools across Rwanda. It is being built on the MGS campus so the trainings and resources can be used not just during schools holidays and weekends, but all year long.
Teachers, students, and community members will be trained through ongoing programming in digital literacy and digital learning strategies. Additionally, the 16 Benebikira schools will serve as satellite learning and training hubs, with 10 to 15 neighboring public schools surrounding each one also included in relevant programming as resources allow. The following outlines the anticipated programming at MTLC:
Faculty Programming: This will include trainings in computer usage and pedagogical use of computer and Internet-based strategies, as well as trainings in Makerspace, College Counseling, English, and Science.
Student Programming: This will increase cross-school collaboration in Rwanda. Schools will leverage technology and virtual programming including online competitions and global extracurricular clubs.
Community Programming: This will begin with parents of MGS students, then neighboring schools’ parents and other community members will be invited to workshops and community learning events focused on digital literacy.
Updates
We are excited to announce that construction has begun on the MTLC at MGS' campus in August 2023. The opening is scheduled for January 2025, we hope you’ll join us in Rwanda!
MTLC Construction on MGS Campus
We have also partnered with the Rwandan Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, and the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) to systematize teacher professional development across Rwanda and the East African region.
Stay tuned for further developments!
