Editor,I follow the Rwandan education system, policies and procedures keenly. I have also worked with all Rwandan education departments for almost nine years.I would like to react to a letter by Dan Nzabamwita published in The New Times issue of January, 30, 2012 concerning errant teachers. In my opinion, Nzabamwita is very right to feel concerned about the possibility of compromising the standards of Rwandan education, but there is so much to be done other than the public to point an accusing finger at the Ministry of Education and its directorate of inspection.When teachers miss classes, students lose in the process. Personally, I understand that these teachers are trying to make ends meet. The government of Rwanda is making efforts to increase their salaries to curb down on this problem. People like Nzabamwita should join Parents Teachers Associations and try to enforce the increment of teachers’ allowances as a means to solve this mayhem. Otherwise, writing complaint letters through The New Times is not enough. It should be everyone’s responsibility to solve this problem. Otherwise, it will simply remain a blame game and students will practically continue to suffer.The problem is mostly rampant in public schools. In private schools where teachers earn ‘good’ money, teachers DO NOT miss classes whatsoever. So, it is all about making ends meet.Maxon J. KasumbaNew Yorkmsg7282@gmail.com
