In a move aimed at motivating teachers across the country, the Ministry of Education has announced that government will increase salaries for A2 (S.6 leavers) teachers by 10 per cent. 

The development was confirmed yesterday by The Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Mathias Harebamungu during the national celebrations to mark this   year’s World Teacher’s day at La Palisse Nyandungu.

Currently, a primary school teacher with the secondary school level (A2) gets a take-home salary of Rwf 39,500, Diploma holders (A1) earn about Rwf 98,000 while degree holders (A0) receive Rwf 113,000.

"The teachers’ day, is intended to recognize teachers good work, we want to recognize their performance by rewarding excellence and working together in helping to address their struggles,” Harebamungu.

Harebamungu challenged Teachers to work together to improve, their teaching methodology, by using environmentally available teaching aids.

"The salaries are still very low in Rwanda and the world, parents should join the government in rewarding teachers by giving them small incentives,” he said.

Representing her colleagues Kacyiru primary school teacher, Anocite Mukandamage highlighted the exiting teacher salary inconsistencies.

"Some of our colleagues have gone for months unpaid, others have not yet received their retirement benefits we would like the Ministry to check on this,” Mukandamage said.

In response Harebamungu said that his Ministry together with the Ministry of Finance are working to dispense salaries in time though their efforts are being frustrated by some district officials.

The celebrations culminated with awarding ceremony presided over by the Executive Secretary Teachers Service Commission, Emma Rubagumya. Close to 30 best performing teachers from across the country were recognized for their exemplary performance.

UNESCO designated October 5 as World Teachers’ Day in 1993.

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