Youth First Rwanda: Evidence of Lasting Impact

At WorldBeing, we believe wellbeing should be a guaranteed part of education. Through Youth First Rwanda, students and teachers are building the skills and confidence that help schools become places of both learning and care. The program supports young people to develop resilience, agency, and the tools to navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and stay engaged in learning.

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Piloted in 2020 and launched in 2021 across government schools, Youth First adapts practices from resilience, positive psychology, social-emotional learning, and conflict resolution into a curriculum designed for Rwandan adolescents. The program equips educators to guide wellbeing activities in their classrooms, with the long-term goal of national integration.

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What the study found

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An external evaluation conducted in 2022–24 shows Youth First is making a measurable and lasting impact for students:

• 25% increase in resilience

• 15% stronger sense of belonging at school

• 13% stronger relationships with teachers

• 7% stronger peer relationships

• 13% more positive gender-equity attitudes

• 5% greater likelihood of progressing to the next grade

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Why it matters

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Wellbeing education equips young people with lifelong skills that shape how they learn, connect, and contribute to their communities. Students build resilience and agency. Teachers grow in confidence and capacity. Schools become environments that nurture both learning and wellbeing.

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When embedded into education systems, these changes ripple outward — strengthening schools, supporting healthier communities, and opening up possibilities.

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For WorldBeing, this study on Youth First Rwanda’s effects affirms what we believe: making wellbeing a guaranteed part of education is essential.

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More information about the study’s results can be found in the summary report here.