Mastering English and French for Excellence
Posted: Sep 22, 2025
Introduction
In today’s globalized world, multilingualism is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity. For a country like Rwanda, which aspires to be a regional hub for innovation, business, and diplomacy, mastering international languages is essential. The Mastering English and French for Excellence (MEFE) Project, an initiative by The Result and implemented in collaboration with Lanova Translation and Communication aims to close the language gap and empower Rwandan professionals with the communication tools they need to thrive both locally and globally.
According to the Rwanda National Institute of Statistics (NISR, 2020), while nearly 99% of the population speaks Kinyarwanda fluently, only 12% demonstrate proficiency in English and just 7% in French. Moreover, less than 5% actively use these languages in professional settings. This language gap presents a barrier to effective communication, international collaboration, and regional integration particularly as Rwanda positions itself within multiple trade blocs where English and French are key working languages.
Tailored to respond to bridge the gap and accelerate effective communication for Rwanda’s workforce, this curriculum is bilingual (English and French courses) and defines learning process, assessment and measurable impacts from learners. Additionally, This curriculum is guided by clear qualification benchmarks aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).
Why MEFE Matters
Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) both underscore the importance of building a skilled, adaptable workforce. Yet, while nearly the entire population is fluent in Kinyarwanda, only a small fraction are proficient in English or French two of the country’s official working languages. This limitation poses a serious challenge in Rwanda’s journey toward economic competitiveness, regional integration, and international cooperation.
Recognizing that poor communication is a major barrier to development and opportunity, The Result, a consulting firm specialized in research and resource mobilization launched MEFE to provide tailored language training in English and French to professionals across sectors. Through this five-year initiative (2025–2030), the project aims to equip 2,000 Rwandan professionals with the language skills needed to compete and collaborate at international levels
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, the learners will be able to:
- Communicate fluently and accurately in both English and French across social, academic, and professional contexts, using appropriate language and tone.
- Understand and produce a variety of spoken and written texts, expressing ideas clearly, coherently, and persuasively.
- Apply strategies and digital tools to continue improving their language skills independently and use language to support learning in other disciplines.
- Improve bilingual and multilingual communication competencies, fostering greater interaction and collaboration in multicultural and international environments.
- Strengthen participants’ confidence and proficiency in verbal and written communication, enhancing their ability to engage with international partners and clients.
- Contribute to Rwanda’s broader economic and diplomatic ambitions by reducing language barriers and leveraging Rwanda’s efforts in global settings.
- Sit for and pass internationally recognized language certifications, mainly TOEFL/IELTS for English and DELF/DALF for French, thereby benefiting from global opportunities that require these certifications
- Conquer the fear of public speaking by building confidence and mastering effective communication techniques
What the MEFE Project Offers
The MEFE Project isn’t just about learning grammar or vocabulary it’s about professional transformation. Here’s how:
- Targeted Language Training: Custom-designed curricula aligned with real workplace communication needs, from business meetings to official reporting.
- Blended Learning: A flexible mix of in-person, online, and hybrid sessions to suit the schedules of busy professionals.
- Immersive Experiences: Workshops, debates, and language exchanges to build real fluency and confidence.
- Certification: Participants can work toward internationally recognized language credentials like TOEFL and IELTS (for English) or DELF (for French).
- Professional Empowerment: Graduates gain skills that increase their employability, leadership potential, and ability to work in multilingual teams.
MEFE Learners Qualification (Benchmarks)
Ensuring customization of all categories of learners, each level defines specific competencies in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, ensuring a structured progression of language skills. Learners will be assessed against these international standards at key stages (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2), enabling transparent evaluation and certification of their proficiency in both English and French. These benchmarks also facilitate alignment with national education goals and global language certification systems such as DELF/DALF and IELTS.
Who Will Benefit?
The MEFE Project is inclusive, spanning across sectors and roles. Beneficiaries include:
- Government officials needing multilingual capacity for diplomacy and public service.
- Private sector professionals in banking, trade, tourism, ICT, and finance.
- Entrepreneurs aiming to expand into regional and international markets.
- Diplomats and NGO staff working with international partners.
- University students (Bachelor, Master’s, and PhD) preparing to lead Rwanda’s future.
Driving Rwanda’s National Ambitions
By reducing language barriers, MEFE directly contributes to Rwanda’s broader ambitions whether it’s becoming a hub for ICT through Kigali Innovation City, establishing the Kigali International Financial Centre, or positioning itself as a destination for global conferences (MICE). Improved communication skills across the workforce will help Rwanda better engage in trade blocs like EAC, COMESA, and AfCFTA, where English, French dominate.
A Sustainable Vision for Language Excellence
MEFE’s long-term impact goes beyond its five-year timeline. A replicable training model with digital learning tools and a network of trained language instructors will ensure ongoing language development well after the project ends. The Result also commits to inclusive access by partially subsidizing the program with partners, while encouraging nominal participant contributions to boost ownership and sustainability.
Assessment and Certification
Ensuring continuous learning and engagement for MEFE participants, there will be
- Formative Assessment (60): Weekly quizzes, oral presentations, vocabulary checks.
- Summative Assessment (40%): End-of-level written and oral exams.
- MEFE Participants/Learners Certification:
- A1–A2: Foundational Certificate
- B1–B2: Functional Fluency Certificate
- C1–C2: Professional Proficiency Certificate
Language is Power, MEFE is the Key.
Rwanda’s path to excellence in diplomacy, business, and global engagement depends on a workforce that can speak the world’s languages fluently and confidently. Through the MEFE Project, The Result is lighting the way.
Learn more at: www.theresult.rw
Contact: info@theresult.rw | +250 788 357 721
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