The Ministry of Education yesterday released results of 2,635 students who sat their Teacher Training Colleges (TTC) exams last year. Although the total number of candidates who sat went down from 4,038 in 2014 to 2,661 last year, there was a significant improvement in the pass rate. This year, 99.02 per cent passed, up from 87.5 per cent in 2014. At least 26 candidates failed to obtain the required marks to be awarded certificates out of 2661 candidates who registered. Unlike the previous years where three options were taught, this year there was an inclusion of Early Childhood Education which 444 teachers successfully completed. Six candidates (1 private, 5 regular) did not complete all exams. Releasing the results, Professor George Njoroge, the Principal of the University of Rwanda’s College of Education pointed out that much as there are challenges these teachers have the best skills to meet the market demands. “We have trained all students bearing in mind the bigger picture for the market. As you are aware there is need to meet the nation’s vision and sustainable development goals, which inspired appropriate training. Without a doubt they will deliver,” Njoroge said. TTCs churning out more female teachers For at least three consecutive years, statistics from TTCs indicate that more female teachers are joining the labour market compared to males. Of the 2635 candidates who passed in 2015, 51 per cent representing 1345 are females while 1290 candidates are male. This compares with 2014, whereby out of the 3532 candidates who passed, 54 per cent were female. In 2013, out of 2955 candidates who passed, 52 per cent were girls. Last year’s teachers sat four options namely; TML teaching modern language, TSM, teaching Science and Mathematic, TSS, Teaching Social Studies, and ECE, Early childhood Education. The College of Education hopes to provide in service training for nonqualified or those with limited qualifications in the near future, according to officials. editorial@newtimes.co.rw