Kigali, 05 October 2020: The Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Education celebrated the World Teachers’ Day under the theme provided by UNESCO “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future”.

Contrary to previous times, this year, the International Teachers Day was celebrated live in the studios of Radio Rwanda and Rwanda Television.  This was due to Covid-19 and the need to observe the preventive measures against the spread of the pandemic. The celebrations were presided over by the Minister of Education Dr. Valentine UWAMARIYA.

Prior to the live event on national radio and TV,   the President of the Republic of Rwanda, His Excellency Paul KAGAME sent out an appreciation message to Rwandan teachers via twitter.

“Today is the World Teachers’ Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate our teachers, especially in this challenging time. Students and parents recognise your indispensable service, now more than ever. Let’s work together to reopen our classrooms safely and get back to learning.” President KAGAME said.

In her remarks, the Minister of Education said: “We value the tireless efforts spent by teachers in the education of our children and their crucial role in the development of the entire nation”. She added that the Government of Rwanda will continue to strengthen all initiatives which aim  to improve the welfare of all teachers.

While referring to the school year which is soon to resume  after 6 months of closure due to COVID-19, Dr.UWAMARIYA said that the Government is constructing over 20,000 new classrooms and at the same time is planning to  recruit over 20,000 additional teachers, in order to facilitate teachers task by  reducing class sizes and improving  the quality of education.

This special event was marked by celebrations whereby a limited number of Education sector officials, education stakeholders and teachers’ representative met - observing COVID-19 preventive measures-  and reflected on the crucial role of a teacher.

 Best performing teachers – from public and private schools - selected from school, sector, district, province, and national level were given awards.

 This year 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the selection criteria for best teachers were more aligned with the wide scope of education innovations, special support to students through remote learning and social-economical responses to Covid-19 in the community.

The awards vary from motorcycles, desktops, tablets and certificates of merit.

At national level two teachers emerged top.  One is UMUTESI Christine from Groupe Scolaire Nyarugenge (primary level) in Ruhango district, Southern Province. Another one is SINAMENYE Albert from Rukomo SOPEM (Secondary level) in Nyagatare district, Western Province.

The two were present at the event and were given awards by the Minister of Education. Each was awarded a motorcycle, a tablet and a certificate of merit.

They both were thankful for the Government of Rwanda for the efforts to improve teacher’s welfare. They promised to make use of the awards in improving their lives and the quality education.

Other remaining awards were distributed at grassroots level.

It was also time to recognize the district which ranked top in education indicators in 2019. The selection of the best district was based on the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB)’s annual Citizen Report Card. The best district was Rulindo – Northern Province- and a trophy was handed over to Mayor Emmanuel KAYIRANGA by the Minister of Education.

The International Teachers’ Day celebration is an annually worldwide event held on 5th October since 1994.

Rwanda is celebrating for the 19th time because celebrations started back in 2002.

END.