Mineduc moves to strengthen school counselling amid rising student suicide concerns

By The Inspirer.

The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) has announced plans to introduce strengthened counselling services in schools, following growing concerns over cases of student suicides linked to mental health challenges.

The development comes after a tragic incident on March 24, 2026, at RP Tumba College in Rulindo District, where a 20-year-old first-year Information Technology student was found dead in his dormitory, hanging from a mosquito net rope. An 18-year-old female student who had visited him was also found dead at the scene.

Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. However, preliminary information suggests the male student may have taken his own life after allegedly killing the female student, with reports indicating he had sent a message to his family claiming responsibility.

Speaking to One Nation Radio, Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana acknowledged that beyond this case, there have been other reports of students dying under distressing and sudden circumstances, often linked to mental health issues.

He said investigations are ongoing to establish the facts in the recent case, while also identifying ways to support affected families and institutions.

Nsengimana noted that Mineduc is exploring additional interventions to complement existing student support systems, particularly by integrating structured counselling services to assist learners experiencing psychological distress.

He emphasized that student welfare extends beyond the classroom, noting that even when students are off campus, they remain under the broader responsibility of both institutions and families. While students in higher learning institutions such as the University of Rwanda (UR) and Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) receive financial support from the government, he said more needs to be done to address mental health needs.

The minister stressed the importance of early intervention, ensuring that students showing signs of mental health challenges receive timely support.

He also called on parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives, noting that while schools provide education, families play a critical role in upbringing and emotional support.

“Parents should not disengage once a child goes to school. They must continue to follow up, understand their needs, and provide support where schools may not be able to,” he said, urging a collective effort in nurturing Rwanda’s youth.

Recent data from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) shows that in 2024, a total of 602 people attempted suicide, with women accounting for 51.67% and men 48.33%.

Youth remain the most affected group, with 51.3% of cases involving individuals aged between 19 and 35, 16.8% under 18, and 32% aged above 35.