The Minister of Education, Dr. Joseph Nsengimana, has emphasized that despite notable progress in the quality of education, there remain serious challenges linked to the conduct of some teachers, including absenteeism and entering classes without proper preparation.
He made these remarks on Thursday during a meeting aimed at improving the functioning of the education sector, attended by various education leaders and stakeholders. Minister Nsengimana stated that quality education depends on well-prepared, committed, and skilled teachers who actively contribute to knowledge delivery.
He pointed out that the issue of teachers failing to attend work regularly or teaching without adequate preparation — particularly in language subjects like French — requires urgent attention. He added that a new program will soon set a minimum English proficiency level that teachers must meet in order to teach, in line with Rwanda’s use of English as an official language across all sectors of governance.
The Minister also addressed the role of Umwalimu SACCO, noting that paying teachers through this cooperative is meant to empower them economically by giving them equal access to financial services. He reminded the audience that the SACCO was established to support teachers, inspired by the success of ZIGAMA CSS in assisting members of the military — an initiative championed by the President of the Republic.
He stressed that a teacher is responsible for shaping their own public image and should carry themselves with dignity, as respected educators in the Rwandan community. Cleanliness, discipline, and professionalism, he noted, are essential for teachers to earn the respect of both their students and society at large.
Other key issues discussed included misconduct among certain teachers, and the continued effort to improve education quality through training, collaboration with partners, and the overall development of teachers as the foundation of effective education.
