On Monday, 5^th August 2024, Hon. Minister of Education Gaspard Twagirayezu addressed the Primary Teacher Residents Commissioning Ceremony which took place at the Kigali Convention Center.

In this event, 100 Primary teachers graduated and are ready to support the education sector with full potential. These newly qualified pre-service primary teachers are from Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) who were acquired with skills from the Primary Teaching Residency Program (PTRP).

The program offered extra training in English and IT to boost pre-service teachers’ capacity in the 21^st-century skills

In his closing remarks, Honorable Minister said that when the program began in October 2023, there was uncertainty but we knew what we wanted and this is why through this experiment we kept monitoring until we found out improvements, what works to even what works better.

“There is a lot of potential in this program and our teacher education systems. We only reach this when we put our minds together and not afraid to have the courage to try something new and different.” Honorable Minister of Education, Gaspard Twagirayezu said.

“I thank you Residents. The journey doesn’t end here, we need to make sure that what you have learned is translating into classroom, and learning outcomes to our students.” He continued

Honorable Gaspard also stated that there are investments which have been made to support the TTCs such as the right type of infrastructure and programs.

“Among the things to help us get to Vision 2050 is education which is why we have to invest in our teachers because they literally have the future of our country on their shoulders.” He added

He concluded by reminding Primary teachers who have graduated that they have to reflect on the ambition of the country to become a knowledge-based economy which begins with Primary school students.

In his welcoming remarks, Director General of Rwanda Based Education Board (REB), Dr. MBARUSHIANA Nelson noted that teachers are the most important educational resource in order to attain quality education.

“We celebrate not only the achievements of 100 Teacher Residents, but also the incredible journey of growth, learning and transformation realized that has brought us to this day.” DG REB, Dr Nelson said

“As critical agents for the realization of Rwanda’s development trajectory and Vision 2050, the pivotal role played by teachers in developing the country’s skilled human capital for transforming Rwanda into a middle-income country cannot be overstated.” He continued

DG REB, Dr. Nelson also remarked that the government of Rwanda recognizes teaching as a distinct and valued profession within the public service guided by its code of professional ethics and having clear pathways for professional development.

“Residents equally demonstrate the growth in professional agency and teaching practices. They have further experienced growth in journaling and reflective practices and have generally gained professional skills from tutoring learners.” He added

Dr Nelson also indicated how the Primary Teaching Residency Program has the potential to provide Rwanda with cohorts of highly competent beginning teachers who are ready to take charge of the primary classroom and confidently deliver instructions using evidence based instructional strategies for math, science and kinyarwanda literacy.

Leon MUGENZI NTAWUKURIRYAYO, Head of Teacher Development Management and Career Guidance and Counselling Department at REB said that Teacher Residents did different micro-teaching lessons during various weekly seminars before they went to practice at all schools

“I would like to Thank TTC Principals and Deputy Headteachers, they offered instructional leadership and support to the program and program activities to ensure that it succeed. They have built and strengthened collaborative relations between TTCs for the sustainability of the residency program.” Mr. Leon said

He concluded by recognizing the role of the Residents Teachers when they were in classrooms while practicing and added that beginning with September, they will begin their assigned duties as Primary teachers.

Mr EMMANUEL Murenzi, who is the country Director of Inspire, Educate and Empower Rwanda (IEE), stated that “teaching is a noble profession because generations rise on our shoulders as teachers.”

Human advancement would not be possible without teaching and learning. This makes you very special and your choice to be a teacher is well-deserved.” He continued

Uwamwiza Janet is among 100 students who graduated in this Primary Teaching Residency Program (PTRP), she majored in the option of Social and Religious Studies (SRS) in Education. Her A ‘Level was completed at TTC Matimba and advanced with the PTRP at TTC Dela Salle Byumba.

“We gained a variety of knowledge in this program of PTRP such as English language whereby we gained more skills on how to speak fluently compared to our time in A ‘level.

Another skill I would like to highlight is in ICT whereby we had sufficient resources to use in terms of increasing our technology skills and also teaching methods and methodologies in addition to practice where by every day we went to school to put into practice which is different from the tie we were in A’ level, whereby we could practice only twice in a week or a month.” She said

Uwamwiza also advised students who wish to follow the career path of teaching to join because it is a good profession due to that when teaching, you also learn from your students.

The Primary Teacher Residency Program was launched in October 2023 at Rwanda Basic Education Board headquarters by Honorable Minister of Education, Gaspard Twagirayezu. The main aim of this Program is to enhance the capacity of newly qualified pre-service primary school teachers from Teacher Training Colleges by engaging them in a 4^th year of extended training in evidence-based Pedagogy, 21^st-Century Skills and Teaching Practicum.

During period, the program accommodated a maximum enrollent of 100 TTC graduates from all 16 TTCs in Rwanda whereby the program was piloted in TTC Dela Salle Byumba and TTC Save.

The Residency Program has been co-implemented by partners; Florida State University, Bridge to Rwanda and Inspire, Educate and Empower Rwanda under the coordination and technical guidance of the Ministry of Education and its technical agency for basic education, the Rwanda Basic Education Board.