Teacher Training Programme Celebrates Graduation
41 teachers from 14 districts receive digital and ICT certification
In September, more than 40 mathematics and science teachers from 14 districts across Rwanda successfully completed a Leaders in Teaching training program in digital literacy and the use of information and communications technology. The programme, a partnership with the Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences’ (AIMS) and delivered by the International Computer Driving License (ICDL).
The certification of the teacher trainers, 25 percent of whom are female, marked a significant milestone for the AIMS’ Teacher Training Programme that will see the training of more than 3,000 mathematics and science teachers in effective ICT pedagogical skills from over 600 schools in Rwanda.
Dr. Herine Otieno, Director of AIMS’ TTP, said that the training was vital for improving the learning environment for students in Rwanda.
“I congratulate all the graduates for the effort made while you were being trained. These trainings will help you create a supportive and learning environment as one of the components of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) that bis being implemented in Rwanda,” she said.
Speaking during the event, one of the teacher trainers, Emmanuel Hakizimana from GS St Esprit Mushaka secondary school said, “It was not easy because we pushed ourselves to work hard. We like the content and the way trainers delivered them to us. At the beginning I was wondering about the role of this training as a math teacher but now I know how to find information online and materials to use in my daily activities.”
As part of the programme, over the next three years teachers will polish their ICT skills to deliver enhanced training to students. It is anticipated that the programme will spark innovation in teaching and learning, and impact on the students in Rwanda.
Introduction of “Smart” Classrooms
The ICT teachers will be involved in carrying out trainings at each of the 14 Leaders in Teaching Districts in the country. Notably, the 14 “smart” classrooms which will act as the district training hubs have been rehabilitated and will be equipped by AIMS through the Mastercard Foundation’s Leaders in Teaching program.
“Before” picture of a classroom.
“After” photo, a newly renovated smart classroom.
The immense investment in equipping the smart classrooms to support ICT integration in teaching of mathematics and sciences in Rwandan secondary schools is key in addressing inequality in education and equipping students with skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy, lifelong learning, and collaboration.
