In a graduation ceremony held at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) on Friday, a total of 2,759 school leaders, including District Education Officers (DEOs) and Directors of Teacher Training Centers (TCC), were celebrated for successfully completing two Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses.The event began with a welcome from organizers, as school and system leaders eagerly gathered to witness the ceremony that acknowledged their remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to shaping Rwanda's educational landscape.ALSO READ: 2022 was a good year for teachers, mega changes in the education sectorThese one-year courses, focused on English and Mathematics, were developed in collaboration with the University of Rwanda-College of Education (UR-CE), the UK-aid-funded Building Learning Foundation (BLF), and the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB).The BLF Leadership for Learning model aims to transform the practices of head teachers through a comprehensive system of coaching, mentoring, and workplace-based accredited CPD courses in leadership for learning.Furthermore, the two CPD courses that were successfully completed include a CPD certificate course in leadership for learning (CLL), designed to provide professional development opportunities for the top 30 selected head teachers as National Leaders of Learning (NLLs) and Local Leaders for Learning (LLLs) across all districts. The second course, the CPD Diploma in System Leadership for Learning, is dedicated to senior education professionals with expertise and skills to drive improvements in learning outcomes across districts.This course equips DEOs, TTC leaders, and NLLs with the necessary knowledge and collaboration skills to bring about positive changes in students' educational experiences.During the ceremony, the British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Omar Daair, commended the graduates and emphasized the importance of international collaboration to enhance educational systems.ALSO READ: Better teachers, more schools, new curriculum: Rwanda’s education looks brightWe celebrate your success in implementing the learnings from this course, as you continue to demonstrate effective school leadership, he said.Omaar urged the graduates to persist in their efforts to lead for learning, deliver inclusive education services, and create an environment that fosters the acquisition of essential skills for students with disabilities, enabling them to thrive in education.Gaspard Twagirayezu, the Minister of State in Charge of Primary and Secondary Education, emphasized the significance of school leadership and the CPD program as key factors in improving the quality of education.You possess the ability and aptitude to lead, and we hope that you will approach your responsibilities earnestly and become catalysts for change, he urged.Among the participants recognized at the ceremony was Felicite Musabyimana, the Director of Kanazi High School in Ngoma district, who shared how the course and commitment to educational advancement have inspired both educators and students.Students are now directly benefiting from our efforts, and we are dedicated to continuing our unwavering commitment to improving education, she remarked.ALSO READ: Two Rwandans named among top 10 finalists for Africa Education Medal 2023Deogratius Tuyisingize, Director of Nkanga High School, highlighted the knowledge and skills acquired during the training, enabling him to establish the school's strategic direction, develop an operational annual strategic plan, and effectively support learners with special educational needs.This knowledge will enable me to mentor my colleagues and share experiences on how we can enhance learning outcomes, he added.The event served as a powerful reminder that investing in education and recognizing the efforts of those leading educational institutions are crucial steps toward creating a brighter future for education in Rwanda.
