Rwanda has once again highlighted the important role teachers play in building the nation, as the country marked International Teachers’ Day in Kirehe District on Friday, December 12, 2025. The celebration was held under the theme “Teaching is a profession that requires collaboration.”
Although International Teachers’ Day is normally celebrated worldwide on October 5, Rwanda chose to mark it in December to coincide with the end of the first school term and the end of the year.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana reminded teachers that they are the backbone of Rwanda’s education system.
“A teacher is the foundation of education in Rwanda, the quality of education, good values, knowledge and skills that our country achieves all depend on the dedication and commitment of teachers.” the Minister said.
He added that every Rwandan’s success is linked to the teachers who guided them.
Teachers Speak Out
Some teachers shared how the profession has changed. Ruhumiriza Eslon, a school head teacher from Nyamasheke District, said teachers are now more respected than in the past.
“Today, the teaching profession is valued, and teachers are treated with dignity,” he said.
Uwamahoro Angelique, a teacher from Kirehe District, said better salaries, Umwalimu SACCO and school feeding programs have improved teaching conditions.
“Teaching is easier now because children are no longer hungry, and we can focus better on learning,” she said.
The Minister of State for Education, Irere Claudette, shared key figures showing the size of the education sector. She said Rwanda currently has 5,041 basic education schools, serving 4,766,125 learners, which is about 35 percent of the country’s population. This means nearly one in three Rwandans is a student.
Irere explained that 72 percent of schools are public or government-aided, while 28 percent are private schools, which also play an important role.
The schools include nursery, primary, secondary, TVET institutions, and 120 international schools. Most learners are in primary schools, while enrollment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) stands at 38.7 percent, below the government target of 60 percent.
Teachers and Their well-being ✅
According to the Ministry, Rwanda has 133,029 teachers, with 117,839 teaching in classrooms and 15,190 working as school leaders and support staff. About 69 percent of teachers hold an A2 certificate, 21 percent have A1, and 10 percent have a university degree.
Irere also highlighted the success of Umwalimu SACCO, where teachers have saved 119 billion Rwandan francs. Since 2008, teachers have received loans worth more than 1,000 billion francs, including 222.4 billion francs issued in 2025 alone.
“These loans help teachers build homes, start small businesses and pay school fees, which gives them peace of mind,” she said.
Concern Over English Skills
The Minister of State expressed concern about low participation in English language training. Out of 15,919 teachers who registered, only 821 completed and passed successfully.
“These opportunities may not come again,” she warned, urging teachers to take learning seriously.
Looking Ahead
With more than 4.7 million learners, Rwanda still faces challenges, especially the high number of students compared to teachers. The government says this gap will be addressed under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST II), which runs until 2029. Leaders called on teachers to remain professional, committed and focused on learners, stressing that strong education remains key to Rwanda’s future.
