The winners were announced on this Sunday, July 19, during the ORATOR English Competition 2026 Award Ceremony held at BK Arena in Kigali, where hundreds of students, educators, government leaders and development partners gathered to celebrate Rwanda’s emerging generation of confident communicators.
The national competition, organized by Rwanda’s Ministry of Education in partnership with iDebate Rwanda, attracted thousands of learners from public and government-aided secondary schools before narrowing down to 120 national finalists, 60 from Ordinary Level and 60 from Advanced Level.
Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana
Speaking after the ceremony, Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana said the program is more than a competition, describing it as a long-term investment in Rwanda’s education system.
He revealed that the top 30 finalists will travel to the United Kingdom for two weeks to further improve their English language skills before returning to mentor fellow learners.
"Today we announced the top 30 students who excelled in the competition. They will spend two weeks in the United Kingdom strengthening their English language skills before returning as role models to inspire other students," he said.
According to the minister, ORATOR will now become an annual national program while English clubs will be strengthened in schools across the country to ensure students continue practicing beyond the competition.
He noted that mastering English is essential because it is Rwanda’s language of instruction, making it easier for learners to understand all other subjects taught in school.
The State Minister of Education, Claudette Irere
The State Minister of Education, Claudette Irere, said the competition represents much more than identifying the country’s best speakers.
She explained that ORATOR is helping Rwanda realize its vision under the Competence-Based Curriculum by producing learners who are confident, innovative and globally competitive.
"Today, we celebrate more than a competition. We celebrate confidence, courage and the extraordinary potential of Rwanda’s young people," she said.
Irere noted that the finalists had undergone four days of intensive coaching, where they sharpened their communication, leadership and public speaking abilities before competing on the national stage.
She emphasized that English should not be viewed simply as another classroom subject.
"English is our language of instruction, but it is much more than a school subject. It is a bridge to learning, a tool for leadership and a gateway to opportunities both here at home and around the world," she said.
She also encouraged all participants to continue believing in themselves, saying every student who reached the national stage had already demonstrated resilience, determination and courage.
Minister of Youth and Arts Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima
Minister of Youth and Arts Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima praised the initiative, describing it as an important investment in Rwanda’s future leaders.
He said introducing young people to the language of international business at an early stage would strengthen their competitiveness in the global economy.
“This initiative is an investment in young people and in the future leaders of Rwanda. Learning a business language at an early stage creates opportunities for the youth and prepares them to contribute to the country’s development, ” Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima said.
Abatoni Keza Briella with Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana
The competition’s first national champion, Abatoni Keza Briella from ENDP Karubanda in Huye District, admitted that she struggled with self-doubt throughout much of the competition.
She said the support she received during the boot camp from facilitators, judges and fellow participants gradually boosted her confidence, eventually leading to victory.
Reflecting on her achievement, Briella encouraged young people not to fear making mistakes while learning English.
"You have to want to learn it and practice it every day. Don’t let mistakes discourage you. Obstacles are part of every journey, but what defines you is whether you stand up and keep moving forward," she said.
Mbonimpaye Jean de Dieu with Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana
The second-place winner, Mbonimpaye Jean de Dieu from ES Rusumo in Kirehe District, described ORATOR as a transformative experience that taught participants not only how to speak effectively, but also how to listen, respect differing opinions and think critically.
He appealed to the Ministry of Education to expand future editions by increasing the duration of training camps, adding more competition rounds, establishing mentorship pathways for alumni and extending awareness campaigns to remote communities so more students can participate.
With plans to hold the competition every year and establish English clubs in schools nationwide, education leaders believe ORATOR will become a cornerstone in nurturing confident communicators, critical thinkers and future leaders capable of representing Rwanda on the global stage.
