NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI — Teachers who are not committed to their profession are partly to blame for poor results in national examinations, an official of the Ministry of Education has said.

The Inspector General of Schools in the Ministry of Education, Narcisse Musabyeyezu made the remarks this week while meeting primary and secondary school head teachers of Gicumbi district.

He advised head teachers to cooperate with their teaching staff to regularly monitor the academic progress of each pupil.

"The aim of education is to change society socially and economically by combating ignorance and poverty,” said Musabyeyezu, stressing the need to provide quality education.

He urged them to put much emphasis on practical methods rather than theory in science subjects, saying it motivates critical thinking and it is in line with education requirements within the East African Community member states.

To supplement on their diet, Musabyeyezu said, students should be engaged in agricultural production of vegetables and the rearing of rabbits and poultry.

On genocide ideology, the official advised head teachers to involve parents in order to root out genocide ideology in schools. Head teachers should maintain their integrity and self respect in order to bring up pupils and students as responsible future leaders.

"A leader is one who has a good vision for an institution under his or her administration,” he said.

Bonane Nyangezi, the district Mayor, hailed the teachers in the district for their close cooperation with parents which enabled area schools to register a high number of students who excelled in national exams this year.

"You should maintain this spirit because education is the key to development,” said Nyangezi.

Also present were the Inspector of Schools in the province, Kamili Kanamugire, the district director of education, Julienne Uwamahoro, and sector officials in charge of social affairs across the district.

In his remarks, Kanamugire advised head teachers to observe international standards necessary to facilitate quality education by erecting classrooms with enough space to accommodate a minimum number of students.

"Learners cannot follow lessons in overcrowded classes,” said Kanamugire. He further urged head teachers to desist from the habit of allowing boarding school students to share beds because it is against recommended education standards.

"Each student should have his or her own bed,” he stressed.

Ends