Rwanda has made tremendous progress in both social and economic areas. However, more work needs to be done in the education sector if our students are to become more innovative, a key ingredient for any country’s development.

Recently on World Teachers’ Day, various speakers argued that the welfare of teachers needs to be improved in order to to boost economic growth.

The people of Rwanda need to understand the importance of teachers and keep them in their prayers regularly. That is why in the Bible, they are given a special mention.

In the book of James, teachers are reminded of what is expected of them.

"My brothers and sisters, not many of you are meant to be teachers. As you know, we teachers will be judged with greater strictness than others.”

What comes to mind after reading this verse is that teachers are special people who do a splendid job of teaching with stringent virtue. However, they are also cautioned to be very careful about what they teach since their teachings form the character of the learners. And remember character shapes one’s level of judgement.

From teachers, countless experts in different fields have emerged. For example one could be right to say that teachers are judges, engineers, farmers, scientists, police officers, soldiers, administrators, managers, and craftsmen simply because they make up a combination of all professions that are vital for the development of any economy. And this explains why it is important to empower them for economic development.

Teachers can change the world into a better place through transformation and reforms by interacting with learners who later implement what is studied to make better reforms in the country. They are models who produce morally upright people especially leaders to make outstanding reforms in the world today.

During the struggle to change Rwanda’s economy for better, teachers embrace practical pedagogical skills to impart knowledge of economic transformation into Rwandan youths who seem to determine the future of the country. Teachers come up with programmes of promoting ideas and practices on holistic education, regular class learning sessions, researching and reading for more knowledge and enthusiasm to positive reformation.

Therefore it is important to empower teachers to practice and pass on the required moral and social values to learners if Rwanda is to make big economic strides.