The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) awarded certificates to over 700 teachers for successfully completing a sixth cohort of the Teacher Training Program (TTP) in effective Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills on October 29 in Kigali.
The teachers earned certification from the International Computer Driving License (ICDL), equipped with vital ICT skills essential for modernizing education in today’s dynamic landscape.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Prof. Sam Yala, the AIMS Rwanda Centre President stated that the AIMS TTP Rwanda, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), and the University of Rwanda College of Education (URCE), have ventured to advance the quality of math and science education and address critical issues such as gender stereotypes that discourage girls from pursuing STEM subjects.
He reflected on the incredible journey that AIMS TTP Rwanda has embarked upon over the last six years, stressing that the program was driven by its unwavering commitment to boost secondary school students with learning outcomes in mathematics and science subjects.
Yala noted that the program has made a significant impact across the educational background of Rwanda, and aims at teaching and enabling educators to create an inclusive learning environment for all students, breaking barriers, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
The AIMS Rwanda Centre President commended the notable achievements, dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment of all educators, teachers, and stakeholders who have been part of the AIMS TTP Rwanda initiative.
"You have not only improved the quality of teaching and learning of math and science but have also ignited the spark of curiosity and ambition in the hearts of our students, propelling them toward a brighter future,” he said.
Yala also highlighted that for the last six years, the program has so far trained over 7,000 in-service teachers (38 per cent women) in pedagogical and science practical skills, and over 4,000 in-service teachers (34 per cent women) in effective ICT skills and are certified by the ICDL.
"Over 1,400 educational leaders (head teachers, district directors of education, district education officers, and sector education inspectors) were equipped in skills in monitoring, evaluation and smart classrooms in 14 schools and 2 multi-functional smart classrooms in URCE have been established, on addition of providing learners with modern technology.”
AIMS has also distributed 200 science kits to 200 secondary schools across 14 LIT Districts and three STEM backpack kits to two secondary schools and URCE.
In her speech, Isabelle Byusa, who represented the Rwanda Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation David Rurangirwa, noted the importance of digital literacy and its role in education and career development, as well as in the critical need to foster a culture of lifetime learning and continuous skill development.
"We believe in supporting teachers throughout their careers, and preparing them to deliver high-quality, and relevant education. It is a mission that is anchored in the idea that one teacher represents the potential of one thousand future professionals,” Byusa stated.
While addressing the graduates, Nelson Mbarushimana, the Director General of REB, stressed that when it comes to ICT, "our mission is to harness the innovative and cost effective potential of world class educational technology tools and resources for knowledge creation, deepening and inserting 21st century learning skills.”
Mbarushimana urged the teachers to use the skills attained to influence their colleagues who have never had a similar chance, highlighting that ICT in Education is essential as it incorporates new learning methods.
He further noted that ICT stimulates motivation, and if combined with technologies in the classroom, it enhances the motivation of students, it is also a quick and practical technique to stimulate the study of new concepts, on top of boosting critical thinking.
For the professionals, he added that ICT can integrate new teaching methodologies, thus improving academic results and encouraging enthusiasm in the classroom.
"The new technologies in the classroom, specifically those that allow access to online content, improve learning productivity by optimizing instruction time, connectivity, and collaboration,” Mbarushimana said.
Leon Mporananayo, one of the graduates, expressed his gratitude for accomplishing the training, and he promised to use the ICT skills learned in teaching and carrying out his duties efficiently.
"I am happy to be among the teachers enlightened to use the knowledge and skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, printing and others to improve education,” he noted with gratefulness.
AIMS is a pan-African network of centers of excellence dedicated to post-graduate training in mathematical sciences, cutting-edge research, and public engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). It was founded in 2003.