Thirty outstanding secondary school students have been awarded an educational study tour to the United Kingdom after emerging as the top performers in The Orator: National English Competition 2026.
The competition, organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with education partners, concluded with an awards ceremony at BK Arena. It was the first edition of the nationwide contest, which promotes English language proficiency, public speaking, and leadership among secondary school students.
A total of 120 students, selected from more than 1,000 secondary schools across Rwanda, competed through sector, district, and national rounds before the top performers were recognized.
Winners were selected in two categories: Beginner and Advanced.
In the Advanced category, Mutara Anabella of Lycée Notre Dame de Citeaux in Kigali won first place. Mbonimpaye Jean de Dieu of ES Rusumo in Kirehe District finished second, while Nyamutera Tesi Sabrina of Nyanza TSS placed third.
In the Beginner category, Abatoni Keza Briella of ENDP Karubanda in Huye took first place, followed by Hirwe Esther of ES Sumba in Nyamagabe and Berwa Uwange Ange Joella of FAWE Girls School in Kayonza.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Education Dr. Joseph Nsengimana said proficiency in English goes beyond speaking the language, describing it as an essential tool for understanding all school subjects and improving academic performance.
“When we master English, it helps us better understand all the subjects we study at school and perform well across the curriculum, not only in English,” he said.
Minister of Youth and Arts Dr. Utumatwishima Abdallah encouraged students to strengthen their English speaking and writing skills, saying language proficiency would improve their prospects in higher education and the job market.
The 30 winners were rewarded with an educational trip to the United Kingdom, aimed at broadening their knowledge, exposing them to international learning experiences, and further developing their leadership and public speaking skills.
