Isomo Circles

Isomo by Bridge2Rwanda

Isomo Circles

A community-centered, digital learning program that transforms the English proficiency and career readiness of Africa’s next generation of leaders.

Kigali

RWA

Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit

Today, only 15% of Rwanda’s 13.5 million citizens have a high school diploma, and just 3% hold a university degree. On average, more than 70,000 students graduate high school in Rwanda each year. Of these, most graduate with English proficiency at only the A1 or A2 level—equivalent to that of a 4th grader or less by international standards—despite English being the official language of instruction for over 16 years. This language barrier severely limits students’ access to further education, employment, and global opportunities. Compounding the issue, over 80% of Rwandan high school students spend fewer than 10 hours online per year at school, due to limited infrastructure, devices, and connectivity. While global debates focus on reducing screen time, most African students are still deprived of access to even the most basic digital tools for learning, collaboration, and productivity. This lack of English proficiency and digital literacy has created a cycle of economic exclusion for millions of African youth. In Rwanda and across the continent, young people are growing up disconnected from the global digital economy. Without targeted interventions, this gap will only widen—further marginalizing the very populations that have the most to gain from education, technology, and global engagement.

Isomo Circles is a community-based digital learning program that embeds Isomo’s Africa-centered curriculum into upper-secondary schools in Rwanda, cultivating excellence in English mastery, critical thinking, and digital literacy. Each Circle consists of 20–30 students who learn together using weekly digital learning packages tailored to their English level and cultural context. These packages include dynamic readings, videos, reflections, and group exercises that deepen language mastery, broaden worldviews, and spark critical discussion. Students join in Senior 5 (11th grade) and engage in the program for three academic terms, dedicating about 8 hours per week — including 2+ hours in peer-led seminar discussions guided by a trained local teacher. To overcome barriers to access, Isomo equips schools with laptops, Starlink internet, and learning platforms like Canvas, IXL, Typing.com, and AI-powered tools. By combining human-centered pedagogy with scalable technology, Isomo Circles is closing the learning gap and shaping a generation of African learners who are globally minded, technologically empowered, and committed to transforming their communities.

Isomo serves Rwandan students ages 16–20 at a critical life stage—from high school to university and from university to career. These students are full of promise, yet deeply underserved. Despite completing 12 years of schooling, many graduate with limited English proficiency, poor digital literacy, and little exposure to the skills and mindsets required to thrive in today’s economy. Across Africa, there remains a poverty of language and digital tools that blocks access to higher education and meaningful employment. This growing economic disparity stems from a lack of skills, networks, and resources that enable young people to transform their lives and communities. Through Isomo Circles, students gain 5x more digital learning exposure than their peers and achieve an average 4-grade jump in English proficiency. The program also builds critical thinking, confidence, and curiosity—empowering students to become globally competitive learners, university-ready scholars, and community-minded leaders. Without a targeted intervention, students will fail to reach their full potential.