On December 13, Rwanda celebrated Teacher's Day with a grand event at the Intare Conference Arena, attended by 2,300 teachers from across the country, along with government officials and development partners. The Prime Minister, Edouard Ngirente, who was the guest of honor, praised teachers for their crucial role in the nation’s development. The event highlighted the pivotal contributions of educators in shaping Rwanda's future.

Prime Minister Ngirente emphasized that the progress witnessed across various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and energy, is a direct result of Rwanda’s investment in nurturing knowledgeable individuals.

"Rwanda continues to thrive because of the dedication and efforts of teachers," he said, underscoring that the achievements of today are a testament to the foundational work done by teachers in shaping future generations.

He further acknowledged the transformative role teachers play in society, stating, "Teachers are instrumental in shaping individuals. While children are born to parents, the time they spend at school is where teachers mold them into responsible citizens and future leaders." The Prime Minister also highlighted the significant influence teachers have on their communities, turning schools into hubs of development and inspiration.

During the celebrations, Veronique Uwambaje, a language teacher at Kimironko TSS, spoke on behalf of her peers, expressing gratitude for the government's continued support in improving education. She acknowledged key achievements, including the introduction of pre-primary education in public schools, the construction of additional classrooms, and the implementation of school feeding programs. Uwambaje also commended the salary increments provided to primary and secondary school teachers, aimed at improving their livelihoods and motivation. The Umwalimu SACCO, a cooperative that helps enhance teachers' welfare through savings and loans, was also recognized for its contribution to teachers’ economic empowerment.

Despite the progress, Uwambaje called for further support to help teachers achieve their goals. She requested increased access to practical materials in Technical Secondary Schools (TSS), as well as training in subjects like English to enhance education quality. She also appealed for better access to resources such as electricity, internet, laptops, and books, to support the delivery of modern education.

The Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, also joined in honoring teachers, calling them the backbone of Rwanda’s education system and the heart of national transformation. He reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing education through ongoing reforms aimed at improving teaching quality and raising the standards of the profession.

As Teacher's Day celebrations concluded, both the Prime Minister and Education Minister reaffirmed their commitment to continuing collaborative efforts to improve the education sector. They emphasized that education is a shared responsibility, and by working together, Rwanda can achieve its goals, particularly in alignment with the country’s Vision 2050.