Teachers’ plight in solidarity training camps

EASTERN PROVINCE GATSIBO — Over 300 secondary school teachers attending the three week long solidarity training, at Kiziguro, Gatsibo district are also involved in the building of homes for genocide survivors. The training was organized by the Ministry of Education. The houses being built are expected to be finished by the end of the training. According to organizers, the event which started last Tuesday countrywide, is geared towards sharing of experiences, ideas and to learn problem-solving techniques. Gatsibo teachers were divided into three groups; two of which are constructing houses, while the third is responsible for the general cleanliness around the camp. During the three weeks, teachers also learn government development programmes. In Gatsibo district, most of those expected for the training turned up for the exercise. At least 1,214 primary school teachers turned up at Gakoni. Fredric Rutebuka, the assistant district education officer told The New Times on Sunday that the training was on track. They are getting to know each other and sharing experiences from the different schools. This is good because it was one of the aims of the training, Rutebuka said. The teachers in the meantime complained that feeding was poor. Some times there is no salt in the maize and beans which is our main diet. At times the meals are not fried making it very unpleasant and hard to eat, said one on conditions of anonymity. Nicolas Rwaka, the district director of good governance, and the programme coordinator, however said the problem had been addressed. Previously the cooks lacked experience in cooking that type of food (maize mixed with beans) but now it is delicious. We chose it because its energy- giving for people doing a lot of vigorous exercises, he said.Ends