Every year, I wait impatiently for the start of school, just like a new student! Since I am very involved in all aspects of the school, I personally experience both the many successes and the rare failures of my students. I am happy to confirm that, with every new school year, since the very beginning of the school back in 1999, we have had an increase in the number of students and this year is no exception. On Monday, January 6, I was astonished by the number of new students who came in the company of their equally excited – and already proud – parents.

This year, a total of 219 students applied to enroll in our school, and 157 of them came the very first day, which was a great and very pleasant surprise to us. You see, usually people come to the school when they find the time to do it, so the enrollment can take days. This is quite normal in Rwanda – their culture is simply not a slave to deadlines like in Europe and North America. But what is important is that, when the school finally starts, they take their obligations seriously and we have no further difficulties. So this year we expect around 300 new students altogether. Already now, just like at the start of every new school year, the silence and stillness we have been experiencing, has been broken. But we are not sorry – on the contrary! Students always bring back life to our small community, and we can’t wait to once again revel in their youthful playfulness.

As usual, the school year started on the first Monday of January. Only the first year of O-level (ordinary level) and the fourth year of A-level (advanced level) begin in February - because they have to take the state exam – and it ends in late November or early December. Just like all the other kids, my students always look forward to their holidays and a well-earned rest. That’s why in April they usually get two weeks off, and at the end of July they can enjoy their holidays for an entire three weeks. The school system is obviously very different from Europe and North America (for example, secondary school lasts for six years and is divided into two segments). Here at Padri Vjeko Vocational Training Centre, our school year has officially begun!

On behalf of all employees, to all students - new and old - and their parents, I sincerely wish you another successful and cheerful school year!

Translated by Branimir Mlakić
Edited by Valerie Kae Ken

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