Empowering school leaders to champion blended learning in Rwanda's TVET schools

School managers and directors of studies from 11 pilot technical secondary schools (TSS) have recently been equipped with essential skills to lead the integration of blended learning into Rwanda’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. This initiative, part of the Digital skills for quality TVET in Rwanda project, recognises that meaningful digital transformation starts with empowered leadership.

Blended learning requires more than digital infrastructure; it demands a shift in mindset, pedagogy and institutional culture. School leaders are key drivers of this change : they set the vision, support teachers and ensure that new practices are embedded sustainably. By building their capacity in strategic leadership, mentoring and quality assurance, the project is enabling them to guide their schools through this transformation.

Participants were equipped with practical tools and approaches to :

• lead strategically : align blended learning with national digital education goals and foster school-wide adoption;
• mentor and coach teachers : use models such as GRROW to support teachers in planning and delivering blended lessons;
• promote inclusive pedagogy : ensure digital teaching practices are gender-responsive and accessible to all learners;
• monitor and improve quality : apply indicators and processes to track implementation and guide continuous improvement.

Post-training feedback from participants showed strong confidence in applying their new skills. All reported the training met their expectations.

Participants recommended expanding practical sessions on digital tools, involving teachers and exploring emerging innovations like AI and online assessments.

The Digital skills for quality TVET project aims to enhance Rwanda’s TVET system by integrating digital technologies and adopting blended learning, which combines classroom and online instruction to improve learning quality and digital skills. It is funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.