On World Teachers' Day, celebrated annually on October 5, educators across the globe are honoured for their immense contributions to shaping the minds of future generations. In Rwanda, the day serves as an opportunity for teachers to reflect on their journey, what motivates them, the challenges they face, and their hopes for the future of education. Their passion for nurturing young minds keeps them pushing forward. ALSO READ: Nearly 3,000 teachers undertake training to enhance history teaching Here is what this day mean to some teachers across Rwanda: Stella Musinguzi, 50-year-old teacher at GS Tabagwe in Nyagatare District Being a teacher is a rewarding experience, as it allows for meaningful interactions with students, parents, and colleagues while sharing valuable knowledge. The profession encourages teachers to enjoy their work, reflect on the challenges they face, and continuously seek growth in their careers. Teaching is not about making things difficult but about sharing truths and inspiring others. Teachers are driven by our passion for the profession, and when we love what we do, nothing feels too hard. However, despite the significant role, teachers often struggle to have their voices heard in policymaking. Collaborative teamwork from grassroots efforts to higher levels, is essential for achieving success in the education system. Teachers should view their work not as a burden but as an opportunity to shape future leaders. The goal is to inspire students to achieve their dreams, as teachers have the unique ability to influence not only their nation's future but also contribute to the development of global leaders. Butera Antoine, primary teacher at Kigali Parents’ School Education is the foundation of any nation. Without a good education, it's hard to get a job anywhere. As ateacher, I feel proud of the work I do, when you provide skills through teaching, it brings a sense of pride and happiness as you truly feel fulfilled. I wish the government would provide teachers with all the facilities needed to do their job well and with joy. This includes learning aids, better motivation through financial support, easier access to ICT courses, laptops, and other necessary resources. What drives me every day is the impact I am making on the next generation. When I see students graduate and succeed, I feel proud, regardless of my salary. That success makes me so happy. ALSO READ: 2022 was a good year for teachers, mega changes in education sector Clementine Uwimeza a primary teacher at ES Rubengera in Karongi District Celebrating Teacher’s Day is meaningful as it highlights the importance of the teaching profession, providing motivation and encouraging innovation. However, in recent years, recognition for teachers on this day has decreased, which affects morale. Acknowledgment and encouragement are crucial to keeping educators committed and inspired. Teachers face significant challenges, particularly the heavy administrative workload, which detracts from their primary focus on teaching. There is a need for designated resources to handle such tasks, allowing teachers to concentrate on educating students without the fear of punishment for incomplete paperwork. In Rwanda, teachers are vital to shaping the future generation, especially as the country develops and the student population grows. Students show respect and eagerness to learn, emphasizing the need for effective and empowered educators. While the government and educational institutions are working to support teachers, further investment in professional development and teacher empowerment is necessary. This will ensure that Rwanda produces world-class educators who can contribute to the country's success. Arun Shanmuganathan, mathematics lecture at University of Rwanda Teacher's Day serves as an opportunity to celebrate the vital role educators play in shaping future generations and to recognize the influence teachers have had on all of us. It’s a time to reflect on the need for teachers' voices to be heard in discussions about educational reforms, including curriculum development. One of the significant challenges teachers face is the lack of resources, such as teaching aids. Establishing resource centres where teachers can access and borrow materials could help address this. Additionally, the disparity between private and public schools underscores the importance of addressing the needs of public institutions, with teachers playing a key role in identifying classroom challenges and informing curriculum improvements Teachers are essential in both educating students and adapting to new challenges, such as integrating emerging technologies like AI into the classroom. To effectively navigate this evolution, teachers must continuously update their skills, positioning themselves as lifelong learners. However, this requires the support of policies and programmes that allow educators to invest time in learning new tools and methodologies. This ongoing journey of growth is not only crucial for individual professional development but also for the broader progress of the education system. ALSO READ: All teachers will have laptops by 2025 - REB boss Joseph Mushyikirano, head teacher at GS Mayange B in Bugesera District There is a sense of pride and anticipation. The World Teacher's Day theme highlights the challenges teachers face and the importance of their voices being heard. Efforts have been made by the teachers' union and education staff to address both teaching-related and personal challenges, particularly focusing on improving the economic conditions of teachers. The Rwandan government has recognized these efforts, and significant progress has been made, such as improved access to financial resources through banks and financial institutions, enabling teachers to better support their families and focus on their work. Despite these advancements, more work is needed, particularly in the area of integrating ICT into education. Many teachers still lack access to essential digital tools and equipment such as computers, which are crucial for modern teaching methods. Teachers are hopeful that the government will continue investing in both technology and the overall well-being of educators. As progress continues, there is confidence that teachers' voices will be heard, enabling them to contribute even more effectively to Rwanda's education system. Emmanuel Hagabimana, teacher at Bigogwe Technical Secondary School in Nyabihu District on this Teacher’s Day, we’re happy with the support we’ve been given. We’ve received jobs, been certified, and are part of the financial system, which allows us to provide for ourselves by purchasing food and clothing. As educators, we play a crucial role in shaping society by imparting knowledge to students, and we appreciate the government’s continued support in enabling us to do so. In terms of financial support, we aren’t facing much criticism. We can contribute to our communities by helping students grow, and we are thankful for the recognition of our work. However, one of the main areas we still need support in is acquiring the right teaching materials. This is especially important for technical schools like ours, where learning is based on practical skills. With more tools and resources, we can better equip our students for the future. As the world continues to progress technologically, it’s crucial for us to stay up to date through regular training. We need more advanced teaching materials and upskilling opportunities to help us pass on the latest technological knowledge to our students. We are confident that the government will continue to improve the education sector, ensuring we have what we need to fulfil our duties as educators. Diane Umuhoza, teacher at an ECD center in Karama, Nyarugenge District Teacher's Day, observed annually on October 5 is a meaningful occasion for educators globally, and especially in Rwanda. It is a day to celebrate teachers' contributions and reflect on both successes and challenges in the education sector. Teachers use this opportunity to evaluate their progress, address gaps, and plan for improvements to ensure quality education for future generations. To fully develop their talents, teachers need a variety of support, particularly from parents who play a critical role in encouraging children's school attendance and engagement. Additionally, the government and stakeholders are vital in providing motivation, training, and development opportunities. In Rwanda, many teachers lack formal training from Teacher Training Colleges (TTC), making continuous professional development and access to necessary teaching materials, especially for practical subjects, essential. The inspiration to teach often comes from a deep love for children and a passion for education, as seen in many dedicated educators. Teaching is more than a job; it is a calling that requires dedication and a commitment to shaping the future of society. Teachers are advised to embrace their roles wholeheartedly and recognize the importance of their contributions to shaping the next generation. ALSO READ: Ministry of Education honors former employees, students, teachers killed in Genocide Christine Uwimana, secondary school teacher at G.SHuye Teaching is a career that offers endless learning opportunities. Every day, I am inspired by my students' curiosity and their thirst for knowledge. But, like many other teachers, I feel that our role in shaping policies is often overlooked. We are the ones in the classrooms, facing the daily challenges of limited resources, overcrowded classrooms, and ever-changing educational demands. Teachers need to be involved in discussions at all levels, especially when it comes to curriculum reforms. It’s important that we have access to continuous professional development. The world is changing, and technology is becoming a central part of education. We need to stay up to date with these advancements, but that also requires support from the government and institutions. It's not just about giving us tools like laptops; it's about making sure we know how to integrate these into our lessons in meaningful ways. John Mugabe, primary school teacher at G.S Rwesero in Rulindo District Being a teacher means more than just educating, it means building a foundation for future generations. One of the challenges I face is the lack of proper teaching materials. I often find myself creating makeshift resources, and while this fosters creativity. Teachers should not have to struggle with basics like teaching aids when trying to deliver quality education. We need more investment in our schools. I have seen private schools with advanced tools and technologies, while public schools lag. It is a growing concern because it creates inequality among students. Every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of whether they attend a public or private institution. As teachers, we are committed to our students’ success, but we need the right tools to make that happen. Agnes Mutesi, primary teacher at G.S Nyange in Musanze District Teacher’s Day reminds us of the importance of our work. It is a time to reflect on how far we have come and the progress we still need to make. I love being a teacher because it allows me to influence the minds of young people, to teach them not just academic knowledge but also values and life skills. It’s rewarding, but it’s also a challenging job. One of the biggest challenges we face is balancing the increasing workload. We’re asked to do so much beyond teaching, from filling out endless forms to managing extracurricular activities. While all these things are important, they take away so much time we should be spending on lesson planning and engaging with students. We need support to lighten the administrative load so we can focus on what we are here for, to teach.
