GICUMBI - Primary and secondary school teachers in Gicumbi district have been advised to lead efforts geared at economic development.

The call was made by an official from the Ministry of Education, Calixte Kayisire, while meeting over 2500 teachers at Gicumbi stadium on Thursday.

"Teachers are the backbone of all development activities in the country, which is why you should be at the forefront in guiding local residents to adhere to government development programs,” said Kayisire.

He further called on the teachers to sensitise residents in their respective localities, to turn up in big numbers for the August 9 polls.

"As elites in your respective localities, it is important that you sensitise residents to vote for a responsible candidate, capable of leading our country towards economic prosperity,” added Kayisire.

Mayor Bonane Nyangezi, commended teachers for their contribution to the district’s development.

"Teachers have played a great role in sensitising residents in their localities to practice modern agriculture and livestock farming, environment conservation and to control of soil erosion through terracing,” he said.

During the meeting, Inyange Primary School, Kageyo SOS Children village Primary School and Miyove Primary School, the best schools in the 2009 Primary Leaving Examinations, were awarded certificates of merit.

Other schools awarded in the secondary category were, Rwesero Minor Seminary, GS Notre Dame Du Bon Conseil and Rushaki College.

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