English teachers in the country have reaffirmed commitment to promoting the culture of using the language among Rwandans.

This was one of the highlights of a two-day English language teaching conference organised by the Association of Teachers of English in Rwanda (AETR).

The first conference of its kind since the inception of the association in 2011 the reform was held at Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) in Muhanga District from June 4 to 5.

Participants noted that English proficiency presents a number of opportunities in the East African Community, Commonwealth member countries and beyond.

 "We are interested in imparting knowledge and skills which will help teachers change attitude towards learning and using English not only in the classroom but also in the outside world. They should keep in mind that this is a language for global connection in business, justice, education and a gateway to greater things,” said the president of AETR, Rukundo Kanyankole.

Kanyankole said people learn English but sometimes they do not practice speaking it.

Teachers said there has been an improvement in English usage since the adoption of the language as a medium of instruction in schools.

 Juliette Muhoza, from Ecole Secondaire de Kanombe in Kigali, said: "This conference helps us identify our weaknesses in teaching or delivering lessons in English so that they get addressed.”

Alphonse Urimubenshi, a teacher at Ecole Primaire et Maternelle Saint Andre Gitarama in Muhanga District, called for more English language training, especially for teachers with French background.

Some teachers, however, expressed concerns that when they get opportunities to attend conferences or workshops on the English language, they are hindered from attending by their school administrations.

The ICK rector, Father Vincent Kagabo, said professional development of teachers is key to quality education.

Kanyankole appealed to more teachers to join the association.

AETR was founded in 2011 to support effective lesson delivery in English after English was adopted as the national medium of instruction in schools.

Kanyankole said, they have groups of teachers in the districts of Kicukiro and Muhanga who attend regular English language workshops.

Over 200 teachers attended the conference. They were drawn from primary, secondary, technical and vocational,  and higher learning institutions. Others were English language fellows from the region and across Africa as well as American and British fellows.

They shared experiences and best learning practices in groups through English language.