The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) is preparing the fourth Population and Housing Census. This will be the fourth round of modern censuses that have been conducted in Rwanda, following the previous one in 2002.
 
Data quality is paramount to NISR. Statistical data quality is generally achieved through the design of smart survey tools, quality training of data collectors and effective supervision of field work operations. The choice of census enumerators and the quality of their training is particularly key to the success of the census enumeration. This is the reason why NISR has chosen to work with school teachers, knowingly of their usual qualities and commitment to government programs.  In close collaboration with districts and sectors authorities, over 24,000 teachers were recruited to be census functionaries. NISR has organized the training of census functionaries in cascading phases, in order to ensure that all census functionaries are equipped with the required knowledge. 
 
The first phase training for ‘Master Trainers’ was organized in Musanze from 10th  June to 22nd  June 2012. During this training programme, over 270 officials were trained on how to use census material and census enumeration techniques. The 270 officials included district statisticians, district education officers, directors of selected secondary schools, officers of the Rwandan Defense Forces, Rwanda National Police and Rwanda Correctional Services. This training was successfully conducted, and NISR has transmitted the “census fever” to the ‘Master Trainers’. 

Opening Ceremony of the Masters’ Training

Opening Ceremony of the Masters’ Training

Secondly, the training of trainers is set to kick-off on 3rd July, 2012. In this phase, the ‘Master Trainers’ shall extend the acquired knowledge to 830 trainers around the country. This training is scheduled to take place in the 4 provinces of the country plus Kigali City.


Finally, these trainers of trainees shall in turn impart the skills to the 24,000 Census Enumerators in a monster training organized in 68 selected schools across the country from July 22nd to August 4th, 2012. The enumerators will then after be deployed on 8th August and will visit and administer the Census questionnaire to every household in Rwanda.

Rwanda Population and Housing Census – “Be counted because you count!”
Ibarura Rusange ry’Abaturage n’Imiturire – « Ibaruze kuko ufite agaciro ! »