For many professionals in Rwanda, learning English with EF Education First has been a game-changer. From tourism and hospitality to education and entrepreneurship, those who participated in EF’s training program since 2020 say their improved language skills have boosted their professionalism and made them more competitive in the job market.
This impact was highlighted during an event marking the 60th anniversary of EF Education First, a global leader in English language education. Since its founding, EF has helped millions of people worldwide learn English and other languages.
In Rwanda, EF has trained over 30,000 youth – a key milestone celebrated on January 30, 2025.
Peter Burman, EF’s President, visited Rwanda for the first time and emphasized the significance of the organization’s 60-year journey. He expressed pride in EF’s role in opening the world through education and in equipping thousands of Rwandans with essential language skills.
“Teaching a language is not just about securing jobs – it’s about transforming lives. It empowers individuals to express their thoughts and ideas effectively,” Burman said.
In the five years since EF began operations in Rwanda, it has made significant progress in helping young people acquire critical skills, secure jobs, start businesses and advance their careers. Burman reaffirmed EF’s commitment to working with the Rwandan government to further strengthen the country’s education sector.
“We are dedicated to supporting the government’s vision of improving the quality of education,” he added.
EF’s success in Rwanda has been driven by strategic collaborations. Julia Kennedy-Svensson, EF’s Regional Director, credited key partners such as the Mastercard Foundation and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for their crucial support.
“These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without strong partnerships. We look forward to continuing and expanding our efforts together,” she said.
Kennedy-Svensson also reassured that EF will keep working closely with its partners to continue providing high-quality English learning opportunities, particularly to vulnerable youth, young women, refugees and displaced persons and people living with disabilities.
“What we have accomplished so far is just the beginning. We strive to create even greater impact not only in Rwanda, but hopefully across the continent.,” she added.
Beneficiaries of EF’s programs shared how learning English has helped them excel in their fields.
Claver Ntoyinkima, a tour guide in Nyungwe National Park, is one of them. He not only improved his communication skills but also gained international recognition for his work.
“English is essential in my field, as 80% of our communication is in English. This training boosted my confidence, helped me connect with clients from different countries, and even led to me receiving an award from Prince William in the UK for my contribution to gorilla and bird conservation,” he said.
Ntoyinkima added that learning English also enabled him to train fellow tour guides, further spreading the impact of EF’s program to local communities.
For Chance Clarisse Umurangwa, an educator working with an NGO focused on teacher training, learning English has made a huge difference in her career.
“As a trainer, I lead workshops for teachers, and being able to speak and write English fluently has made my work much easier. The skills I gained also benefit me beyond work!” she said.
Some EF trainees shared their journeys in a documentary showcasing how learning English changed their lives, while others testimonies were captured in a book titled “Transforming Futures: Stories of Impact in Rwanda”.
