GASABO - Teachers have been called upon to teach vocational subjects as a way in maximizing their students’ potential.   

The call was made by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Dr. Mathias Harebamungu while addressing a UNICEF-funded teachers’ training workshop, at the Rubingo High School,

He called on teachers to be more innovative and move away from traditional methods of teaching.

 "We are challenging teachers to think differently. To move from talk to more practical exercises for the benefit of our children and to improve the quality of education we offer,”

"Teachers need to change their mindset in the methodologies they use for effective education, There are so many materials available to make learning more practical,” said Harebamungu "This specifically will motivate the children to learn more,”

The three day workshop was constituted of representatives from seven primary schools, two Teacher Training Collages representatives and a member from the National Curriculum development centre.

Addressing participants, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Special Education Coordinator, Ivan Niyiguha called on teachers to apply practical experience gained from the workshop.

"We share information so that every school in Rwanda can start applying methods learned during the workshop,” said Niyinguha
"We need to offer quality education by involving the children and making the school children friendly”.

The workshop was in line with UNICEF framework for rights-based, child-friendly educational systems and schools that are characterized as "inclusive, healthy and protective for all children, effective with children, and involved with families and communities.”

Meanwhile has donated 30 laptops to the Rwandan Government to facilitate the Vision 2020 Umurenge Program (VUP).

"This small donation is part of a greater commitment by the UNICEF to promote social protection for vulnerable children and women,” said UNICEF’s Representative Joseph Foumbi.

Vision 2020 Umurenge is a second flagship program of Rwanda Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) 2008-2012.

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