The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated vehicles to six teacher training colleges (TTCs) in a bid to strengthen monitoring and supervision efforts.

The beneficiaries include TTC Save, TTC de la Salle Byumba, TTC Bicumbi, TTC Matimba, TTC Gacuba II and TTC Zaza. The vehicles are worth Rwf240 million.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Kigali on Tuesday, Olivier Rwamukwaya, the Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education, cautioned heads of the colleges against putting school property to their personal use.

The six vehicles are all Toyota Hilux DC.

"I hope the cars will be helping these institutions in their efforts to provide quality education. They are given for a specific purpose and that is what they should be used for, not for private business,” said Rwamukwaya.

He also thanked the UNICEF for supporting the Government of Rwanda, especially the Ministry of Education, to improve the education Sector.

"We recognise UNICEF support and this shows us that we are not alone. With your support, we will achieve more,” he added.

Oliver Petrovic, the UNICEF country deputy representative, said the donation was in recognition of the ministry’s efforts in improving access to quality education.

"UNICEF extends its congratulations to the Ministry of Education for all the achievements. The future of this country lies in the hands of children who, once they are well-educated, will become valuable asset for the country and will take the nation to greater heights. I am confident that these vehicles will strengthen monitoring and supervision efforts, thereby enhancing quality of instruction in school,” he said.

UNICEF has been supporting the Government in its efforts to improve the capacity of TTCs through various programmes. These include the pre-service teacher training administered for pre-primary teachers and early childhood education discipline at the TTCs through a partnership with the University of Rwanda’s College of Education.

TTC representatives hailed UNICEF for the donation.

"These cars will help ease transport in emergencies, attending different meetings, teaching practice mentorship/supervision and more. We hope it will help us to achieve more in schools’ every day activities,” said Gerrard Bahizi, the principal of TTC Gacuba II.

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