TEACH Rwanda

What TEACH Rwanda does

TEACH Rwanda is a US-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Rwanda-registered International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) founded in January 2012 by Louise Batamuriza and Jan Brown. The organization operates two Exemplary Schools in Rwanda—Bright School in Muhanga (preschool through Primary 6, serving approximately 311 students as of 2022) and Harmony School in Rwinkwavu (pre-primary)—and runs the Umwarimu Mwiza Teacher Mentoring System, a four-module professional development framework available in English and Kinyarwanda. Its core methodology combines play-based and project-based learning aligned with Rwanda's national Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), targeting the gap between typical Rwandan classrooms (40+ students, memorization methods, no learning materials) and the country's policy ambition for analytical, creative graduates.

The business model is hybrid nonprofit: donations form the primary revenue base (AmazonSmile, GoFundMe, Venmo, Charity Charge, direct mail, mobile MoMo), supplemented by tuition fees of $61 per term at Bright School, professional development fees for partner schools ($150 for Module 1 needs assessment, $1,000 for Module 2 workshops, $150/day for Module 3 mentoring), and modest product sales of handcrafted learning materials, furniture, books, and merchandise. Approximately 76 vulnerable students receive scholarships annually via the Fund a Future program. Distribution relies on physical Exemplary Schools as demonstration sites, outreach to Rwandan public and private schools, Teacher Training Colleges (including Premier ECDE in Kigali), and alignment with Rwanda's Ministry of Education, Rwanda Education Board, UNICEF, and Save the Children.

Strategic partnerships anchor the model: STELA (founded by Corning engineer Eric Biribuze) launched Rwanda's first LEGO robotics teams at Bright School in November 2021; Coderina Education and Technology Foundation integrates TEACH Rwanda into pan-African STEAM coordination; and the Eglise Presbyterienne au Rwanda provides physical space. Leadership transitioned in 2022 from founder Jan Brown (now President Emerita) to professionalized in-country management under Country Representative Rachel Walmsley and a six-person core staff. Total headcount is 11-50 across US and Rwanda operations, with no disclosed revenue figures and no institutional investor or parent company ownership.

Name

TEACH Rwanda

Legal name

TEACH Rwanda

Website

https://teachrwanda.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

TEACH Rwanda is a US-registered 501(c)(3) and Rwanda INGO that operates two Exemplary Schools and a four-module teacher mentoring system (Umwarimu Mwiza), delivering play and project-based learning aligned with Rwanda's Competency-Based Curriculum to Rwandan children, teachers, and partner schools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Early Childhood and Primary Education Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDACAIAE

Curriculum & Pedagogy Training (Play-Based, Emergent, Literacy/Numeracy)

Education/Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Teacher Training & Professional Development

SECONDARYEDAJAFAO

Instructional Coaching & Teacher Professional Learning (School-Embedded)

Education/K–12 / Primary & Secondary Education/K–12 Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment (School-Delivered)

SECONDARYEDACAIAC

Coaching, Mentoring & Instructional Support (On-site/Virtual)

Education/Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Teacher Training & Professional Development

SECONDARYEDAGAKAA

K–12 Instructional Design & Curriculum Development Services

Education/Educational Publishing & Learning Content/Instructional Design & Content Development Services

Keywords

• Teacher professional development
• Early childhood education
• Play-based learning
• Primary education services
• Educational nonprofit programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Easton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the US and INGO in Rwanda, TEACH Rwanda relies primarily on donations from individuals, organizations, and corporate matching programs. Donations fund school operations, scholarships, construction, and professional development programs.
2. Professional Development Fees: Module 1 (needs assessment) costs $150 plus food/transport; Module 2 (four workshops) costs $1,000 for partner schools; Module 3 (classroom mentoring) costs $150/day. These fees cover leaders' time, learning materials, and expenses with discounts for nonprofit organizations.
3. School Fees: Bright School charges school fees of $61 per term for the 2025-26 school year to cover teacher salaries and operating expenses. Vulnerable students receive scholarships funded by donors.
4. Product Sales: TEACH Rwanda sells educational products including smocks (8,000-10,000 RwF), dolls (8,000-10,000 RwF), hardwood geometric blocks (92,000-200,000 RwF), handcrafted furniture, and T-shirts ($25 donation). Revenue supports organizational mission.
5. Third-Party Fundraising Platforms: TEACH Rwanda receives donations through GoFundMe campaigns, AmazonSmile (EIN 45-5516209), iGive shopping portal, Venmo, and Charity Charge credit card program where 1% of purchases are donated.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

TEACH Rwanda operates two Exemplary Schools (Bright School in Muhanga and Harmony School in Rwinkwavu) delivering preschool through Primary 6 education using play-based and project-based learning aligned with Rwanda's Competency-Based Curriculum. It runs the Umwarimu Mwiza Teacher Mentoring System, a four-module professional development program (needs assessment, observation at Exemplary Schools, hands-on workshops, and in-person classroom mentoring) for Rwandan teachers and education leaders. It also develops and sells educational resources including published books, learning materials, handcrafted furniture, and T-shirts.

Product overview

TEACH Rwanda operates as an education-focused NGO providing teacher professional development and operating Exemplary Schools in Rwanda. The core offerings include two demonstration schools—Bright School (flagship, preschool through P6, founded 2012) and Harmony School (pre-primary, opened 2015)—where modern play and project-based learning is implemented following Rwanda's Competency-Based Curriculum. The Umwarimu Mwiza Teacher Mentoring System provides a four-module professional development program for Rwandan teachers. Supporting products include published books (Bunches & Bunches, Learning Materials for Rwandan Young Children, Murakaza Neza!), handcrafted learning materials (smocks, dolls, geometric blocks), and furniture made by Rwandan carpenters. Additional programs include the Future Hopes LEGO Robotics Team, Fund a Future Scholarships for vulnerable students, and the Bright School Campus Expansion campaign. Learning Plans (Drumming, Galimotos) and T-shirts serve as supplementary resources and merchandise.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• STELA Future Hopes LEGO Robotics Teams: LEGO robotics competition program at Bright School in partnership with STELA (Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship Leadership Academy)
• Fund a Future

Products and services

• Bright School TEACH Rwanda's flagship Exemplary School in Muhanga offering preschool through Primary 6 education with play-based and project-based learning following Rwanda's Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Enrolls children directly and serves as the National Teacher Development Center where educators from across Rwanda observe evidence-based teaching practices.
• Harmony School / Ready for Reading TEACH Rwanda's second Exemplary School housed within the Rwinkwavu Community Library and Learning Center. Offers pre-primary education with morning and afternoon sessions, serving low-income communities near Akagera National Wildlife Park.
• Umwarimu Mwiza Teacher Mentoring System Professional development service providing teacher capacity-building through four modules: (1) needs assessment at $150 plus food/transport, (2) observation at Exemplary Schools, (3) four full-day mentoring workshops at $1,000 for partner schools, and (4) in-person classroom mentoring follow-up at $150/day. Available in English and Kinyarwanda for Rwandan teachers and education leaders.
• TEACH Rwanda Books Three published books developed in Rwanda for Rwandan teachers and children: Bunches & Bunches (How Bananas Grow in Rwanda), Learning Materials for Rwandan Young Children (Natural & Recycled Resources), and Murakaza Neza! (Welcome to Our TEACH Rwanda School).
• Learning Materials Handcrafted learning materials made in Rwanda including waterproof smocks (8,000-10,000 RwF), dolls dressed in Rwandan fabric (8,000-10,000 RwF), and hardwood geometric block sets in classroom (125 blocks, 184,000-200,000 RwF) or family (62 blocks, 92,000 RwF) sizes.
• Handcrafted Classroom Furniture Handcrafted classroom furniture built by Rwandan carpenters to TR specifications including wooden tables (short for 4 children, long for 8 children, half round for 2 children), benches, book display shelves (small for 10 books, large for 30 books), and individual desks for upper primary.
• TEACH Rwanda T-shirts 100% organic cotton T-shirts printed by Wildlife Works, available for $25 donation plus shipping. Available in child sizes (Small, Large) and adult sizes (Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large).
• Learning Plans Teaching resources including Drumming Learning Plan and Galimotos (wire toy) Learning Plan featuring activities, books to read, arts experiences, and curriculum connections for literacy, math, science, and social studies.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of Bright School P6 students passed national primary leaving exams in 2022 and 2023
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Harmony School / Ready for ReadingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015TEACH Rwanda's second Exemplary School, located within the Rwinkwavu Community Library and Learning Center. Opened in 2015 with one pre-primary classroom serving morning and afternoon sessions. Both teachers are mentored by Elysee Ndikumana, TEACH Rwanda's Teacher Mentor.
• Bright SchoolflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Bright School was founded by Louise Batamuriza and Jan Brown in January 2012 with just one box of crayons and a mat. It has since expanded to 311 students from preschool through P6. As TEACH Rwanda's flagship Exemplary School, it serves as the National Teacher Development Center where educators from across Rwanda observe evidence-based teaching practices.
• STELA (Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship Leadership Academy)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Eric Biribuze, a Burundian engineer at Corning Inc. Partnership created Rwanda's first LEGO robotics teams (Alpha and Beta) at Bright School in November 2021. STELA provides competition kits, tablets, computers, and ongoing support. Based in Corning, New York.
• Premier ECDE Teachers CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership formalizes modern education at Rwanda's premier early childhood teacher training institution in Kigali. Students benefit from TEACH Rwanda's expertise through extensive curriculum revisions, new models of engaging education strategies, and guided observations of children learning through play.
• Eglise Presbyterienne au Rwanda (EPR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLower-primary classrooms and school offices at Bright School are housed in space rented from EPR. Gitarama Presbytery of EPR also listed as partner. Religious organization providing physical space for educational activities.
• Ministry of Education, Rwanda (MINEDUC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment ministry overseeing education in Rwanda. TEACH Rwanda's methods are designed to be congruent with and expand upon Rwanda's Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
• Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment ministry focused on gender and family issues. Partnership supports vulnerable children and families served by TEACH Rwanda's scholarship programs.
• Ministry of ICT and InnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinister Paula Ingabire visited Bright School in January 2022 to observe LEGO robotics program. Promised ministry support for robotics and coding education nationwide following demonstration of student innovations.
• Rwanda Education Board (REB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment body responsible for education curriculum and standards. TEACH Rwanda aligns its teaching methods with CBC and has received positive feedback from REB officials.
• University of Rwanda College of EducationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education institution training future teachers. Partnership enables research collaboration and teacher preparation aligned with modern methodologies.
• Michigan State UniversityminorOthersU.S. university partnership supporting educational initiatives and research.
• Judith's Reading RoomminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization providing books and reading resources. Donated books about robotics, oceans, sea life, and underwater explorations for Bright School library.
• African Leadership UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity in Kigali where TEACH Rwanda volunteers have studied. Hosted LEGO robotics open house for university students and local schools. University interns coach Bright School robotics teams.
• Farmersville Elementary SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool in Bethlehem Area School District, Pennsylvania. Teacher Clare Smith (TR Board Co-Vice President) arranges annual Zoom calls between her 5th grade class and Bright School P6 students.
• Zipline RwandaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDrone delivery company. Bright School students visited Zipline Rwanda drone port during enrichment program to learn about medical supply delivery to remote areas. Located near Bright School.
• VSO (Volunteer Service Overseas)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational volunteer organization. Former Country Representative Rachel Walmsley served as VSO Content Developer and Teaching Methodology Advisor in Rwanda.
• UNICEF RwandaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Nations children's agency operating in Rwanda. Partnership supports early childhood development initiatives.
• Save the Children RwandaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational nonprofit focused on children's welfare and education. Listed partner in education sector collaboration.
• EdifyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChristian organization working to advance education. Listed partner in TEACH Rwanda's network.
• Wellspring FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation-focused foundation. Listed partner in TEACH Rwanda's expanding network.
• Right to PlayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization using play to transform children's lives. Aligns with TEACH Rwanda's play-based learning philosophy.
• Help a Child RwandaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization supporting vulnerable children in Rwanda. Partnership supports scholarship and support programs.
• Imbuto FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRwanda's national arts and creative industries organization. Partnership supports creative education initiatives.
• Azizi LifeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFair trade organization partners with rural Rwandans. Sells TEACH Rwanda T-shirts and products. Joint fundraising through FairTrade Caravans.
• Rwanda Education NGO Coordination Platform (RENCP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational coordination platform for education NGOs. TEACH Rwanda participates in Teacher Development and Early Childhood Development Working Groups.
• Rwinkwavu Community Library and Learning CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome to Harmony School, TEACH Rwanda's second Exemplary School. Library provides space for early childhood education and community learning activities.
• Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKorean NGO active in 170 countries. Representative John Park visited Bright School and will support a Peace Club.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• VVOB: Belgian education NGO working in Rwanda on teacher training and school improvement. Directly comparable as a foreign NGO delivering professional development to Rwandan teachers; cited as a customer testimonial for TEACH Rwanda.

Direct peers

• Right to Play: International NGO that uses play-based learning to transform children's lives in disadvantaged communities. Highly comparable to TEACH Rwanda's play-based pedagogy and is already listed as a TEACH Rwanda partner.
• Pencils of Promise: Education nonprofit that builds schools and trains teachers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Comparable operating model combining school construction/operation with teacher professional development in low-income contexts.
• BuildOn: International NGO that builds schools in developing countries and runs adult literacy programs. Comparable as a school-operator and adult/teacher education provider in low-resource settings.
• Room to Read: Global education NGO operating Exemplary Schools and teacher/literacy programs across Africa and Asia. Comparable as a school-operator-plus-capacity-builder model with a similar dual focus on instruction quality and system-level teacher development.
• Wellspring Foundation: Education-focused foundation supporting schools in East Africa. Comparable as a listed TEACH Rwanda partner with overlapping focus on school improvement in the same geographic region.
• Edify: Christian education organization working to advance Christ-centered education through school partnerships in the developing world. Comparable as a listed TEACH Rwanda partner with overlapping low-cost private school improvement focus.
• VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas): International volunteer organization that places educators in developing-country schools and trains local teachers. Comparable via TEACH Rwanda's own hiring pipeline (Country Representative and Education Specialist are former VSO staff).

Broad incumbents

• Save the Children Rwanda: Global children's welfare and education NGO with an established Rwanda country office. Comparable as a listed TEACH Rwanda partner and as a much larger peer operating in the same early-childhood education space.
• UNICEF Rwanda: United Nations agency supporting early childhood development and education in Rwanda. Comparable as a listed TEACH Rwanda partner and as a much larger institutional player in the same policy and funding ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/TeachRwanda
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/teach-rwanda

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TEACH Rwanda