EASTERN PROVINCE

NGOMA — Teachers in Rwanda should uphold high standards of teaching if the education sector is to play a critical role in the development of the country.

Narcisse Kayiranga, the President of Education Coalition in Rwanda, made the remarks during national celebrations to mark the International Global Campaign for Education (GCE), at Cyasemakamba stadium in Kibungo on Monday.

Noting that some people still attach minimal value to education, Kayiranga urged local leaders and teachers to put more  emphasis on basic education  in order reduce illiteracy in the country.

According to statistics from GCE, one out of five people cannot read and write while 75 million children are not in school world-wide.

The statistics also show that the support needed to facilitate all children to access Universal Primary Education (UPE) is still below 50 percent and the prospects of achieving the goals of UPE by 2015 are below 25 percent.

Kayiranga appealed to donors to support tutors who can help to train more teachers so as to deliver quality education.

The District Education Officer, Victor Jemadari said that close to 55 schools for nursery and adult learners have been built in the district but the enrolment has been poor.

He added that adults should utilise this chance to acquire education and parents should take their young ones to nursery schools.

Mayor Francois Niyotwagira, urged Rwandans to play a bigger role to reduce illiteracy in the country. He called upon parents to send their children to school on time and ensure proper upbringing if children are to grow into responsible citizens.

"Charity begins at home,” he said. "As parents you should therefore know that you are the first determinants to the good future of your children.”

The celebrations that were marked by songs and cultural dances from students of different schools in the district were organised by Education Coalition in Rwanda - composed of six Non-Governmental Organisations.

Ends