About 500 secondary school science and mathematics teachers, yesterday, completed training to enhance the teaching quality of the two subjects.

The eight-day training was organised by the Ministry of Education with the support of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through Strengthening Mathematics and Science in Secondary Education (SMASSE) project.

The SMASSE-Rwanda project aims at strengthening the quality of learning mathematics and science in secondary schools by improving the ability of teachers to teach through exposure.

Over 8,000 teachers have been trained since the beginning of the project in 2008.

Haroyuki Kobayashi, the JICA Resident Representative, while officially closing the training at Lycee de Kigali, challenged the teachers that their "role is bigger than ever.”

"It’s not copy and paste of certain knowledge,” said Kobayashi

"Theory alone cannot build high quality education. Improved lessons can be delivered by teachers, who think about their students as their children, who try to understand their difficulties and try to be role models to them,” he added.

He urged them to apply their best in their profession despite the hardships they face. "The passion and endeavour to educate is the key for quality improved education,” he noted.

Herman Manenu, the officer in-charge of Teacher Training and Development in the Teacher Service Commission (TSC), urged the trainees to "keep the candle burning. Use the knowledge you have gained in your classrooms and share information with others who failed to get this chance”.

Ends