Access to scholastic materials for children from low-income category, including those out-of-school who have returned to back confirms increase of prospects for stable and steady learning for all children.
Early September, as learners were starting the 2025 -2026 school year, the Zero Out Of School (Zero OOSC) Project worked with communities and schools in ensuring that no child is left behind. Scholastic materials being one of the major barriers identified as keeping hundreds of children out of school, the project provided scholastic materials nationwide to vulnerable children from low-income situations.
According to project database, during the first quarter of 2026, over 11,500 children have been enrolled back to school across the country and among the priority needs for their learning include access to basic scholastic materials.
By providing exercise books, pens, pencils, and school bags, the project sought to address immediate needs and the financial burden on low -income families while stimulating and creating an environment that encourages children to attend school consistently and perform better academically.
For educators, the initiative is a welcome relief. “Providing scholastic materials will certainly contribute to children’s performance and to remaining in school for them,” Rev. Noël Nzabanita, Head Teacher at GS Muguli in Musanze District, reflected on the significance of the support.
Local government authorities emphasized their commitment to sustaining the impact. Vice Mayor in Charge of Social Affairs in Musanze district, Theobard Kayiranga, said, “Providing these learning materials is not just support for children; it is an investment in our communities. We will continue to monitor these families and ensure that every child benefits fully from the materials and opportunities given. We want the learners to seriously value the support and make good use of them to perform better.”
With more than 44,000 children already reached the launch coincided with schools reopening, creating a timely opportunity to rally teachers, parents, and communities in a renewed commitment to achieving Zero Out of School Children.
