Teachers across the country have been urged to uphold professional ethics.

The call was made on Sunday as teachers under Rwanda Teachers Union gathered in Kigali to mark the Teachers’ Day, normally celebrated on October 5 every year.

The celebration is meant to recognise the role teachers play in providing quality education and to discuss the challenges in the profession.

This year’s Teachers’ Day was celebrated under the theme, "empowering teachers, building sustainable society.’

During Sunday’s event, Janvier Ismael Gasana, the director-general of Rwanda Education Board, said upholding ethics is crucial for teachers’ profession.

"The teaching profession requires professionalism. You should focus on developing a good standing among students. You are responsible for shaping the future of the country. We celebrate your contribution to the development of the country. You should take the teaching profession as a vocation and always strive for excellence,” he said.

Gasana called on the teachers to work together for better performance and welfare improvement at all levels, advising them to take advantage of all available opportunities to supplement their salaries.

Faustin Harerimana, the executive secretary of Rwanda Teachers Union, said teachers’ welfare has significantly improved.

The Rwanda Teachers Union is an umbrella organisation for all teachers in the country.

"This is a special way through which teachers show their solidarity. The Rwanda Teachers Union discusses with the Government how teachers’ welfare and quality education can be improved. We strive to see teachers develop. This is our time to discuss matters pertaining to our profession, challenges and solutions to achieve quality education and discipline among students,” Harerimana said.

Samson Muderi, a teacher at Groupe Scolaire APE Rugunga in Nyarugenge, said improving teachers’ welfare should remain key in education policies.

"The Government has committed to improve teachers’ welfare and we appreciate that, but other ways should be explored. It is obvious that our salary is meager compared to teachers in the East African Community. For instance, having teachers’ shops where we can buy goods at subsidised or lower prices should be considered,” Muderi said.

At the same event, Jeanette Mukamogasa from Rwamagana District, was rewarded with a cow for her outstanding work.

"The reward encourages me to work harder. Everyone should be passionate about their profession, no matter how boring it is. No gain without pain. We should not give up, but strive to overcome,” Mukamogasa said.Other top performing teachers were rewarded with laptops.

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