Rwanda Education Board honours outstanding teachers

THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION through Rwanda Education Board (REB) will keep rewarding outstanding teachers who dedicate more time to their job and produce good results in their respective schools.

Monday, January 20, 2014
Some of the teachers who received cows for their excellent performance. Right is a man in traditional cloth singing a song traditionally dedicated to cows. The New Times/T. Kisambira

THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION through Rwanda Education Board (REB) will keep rewarding outstanding teachers who dedicate more time to their job and produce good results in their respective schools.Damian Ntaganzwa, the head of Teacher Development and Management at REB said rewards are among their motivational strategies to improve service delivery.Outstanding teachers from districts like Rulindo, Gakenke, Burera, Nyabihu,Ngororero, Rubavu, Karongi and Rutsiro on Friday received cows.Over 300 teachers from all districts are expected to get cows."Rewarding outstanding teachers is one way of appreciating their contribution to Rwanda’s education as the government strives to improve teachers’ welfare,” Ntaganzwa said.He added that it is part of the cattle stocking programme for teachers ‘Gir’inka Mwalimu’ but implemented on the basis of performance.He urged teachers to work hard and deliver good services, adding that more incentives await them.Apart from performance, other factors considered for one to benefit include participation in national programmes.The cattle giving programme started in 2009 and over 800 cows have been distributed to the teachers so far.It is planned that the first calf delivered is given to another teacher in a rotating chain.Odette Dusabemariya, one of beneficiaries said the cow will not only improve her family’s welfare but will also motivate her to work hard."It is a sign that government recognises our sweat,” said Dusabemariya.Other than cows, other teachers who have turned theories into practice were also recognised and given computers and modems to facilitate their research.