Recently, Minister of State Claudette Irere visited TTC De La Salle in Gicumbi district for a follow-through visit, as part of routine oversight, to review on-the-ground execution of government reforms and their impact on TTC training quality.

Brother Jean Paul Niyonshuti, Head Teacher of TTC De La Salle, highlighted the school’s transformation:

"Two years ago, TTC De La Salle had limited digital tools and fewer opportunities for hands-on teaching practice. Today, the college operates with upgraded facilities such as Smart classrooms, and dormitories. The College also has modern ICT equipment such as smart boards, projectors and computers, and a strengthened curriculum that emphasizes practical, classroom-ready skills. Student-teachers now benefit from competency-based pedagogy, ICT integration, and English-medium instruction, giving them real exposure to the realities of today’s classrooms."

Inside a modern TTC like De La Salle, training now includes digital lesson simulations where student-teachers practice with smart boards and interactive apps; competency-based pedagogy workshops that train them to design engaging, activity-led lessons rather than rely on lectures; and English-proficiency micro-teaching, delivered entirely in English with in-person language coaching. These capacities were not available at this scale at TTCs just a few years ago.

Since 2021, TTCs students have benefited from the government’s policy to cover 50% of tuition fees, removing financial barriers and expanding the teacher pipeline. At TTC De La Salle alone, hundreds of student-teachers have been able to enroll because of this support, many of whom would not have accessed teacher training otherwise.

Joyeuse Igiraneza, an S5 student-teacher, shared her experience saying,
 “The support from the government allowed me to pursue a dream I once thought was out of reach. Today, I am preparing to educate the next generation and I feel ready and equipped for that responsibility.”

TTC De La Salle plays a critical role in supplying trained teachers to nearby GS Catholique Byumba model schools. With improved school-based teaching practice coordination and stronger mentorship systems, student-teachers now get real classroom experience that builds confidence and readiness. The school reports higher placement rates for teaching practice and stronger English and ICT assessment scores than in previous years.

Minister Irere emphasized the long-term vision:
 “We are strengthening TTCs so that every graduate is skilled, confident, and ready for the classroom. This is key to our national development goals. A strong teaching workforce means stronger learning outcomes for every child in Rwanda.”