🇷🇼🤝🇿🇼: Rwanda Welcomes 143 Zimbabwean Teachers in Strong Education Partnership to Boost Quality Learning

Rwanda has officially welcomed the second cohort of 143 teachers from Zimbabwe under the Rwanda-Zimbabwe Bilateral Teacher Exchange programme, a partnership aimed at improving the quality of education and strengthening teaching capacity across the country. The teachers were received on 22 December 2025 during a one-day induction and orientation workshop held at Ntare Louisenlund School in Bugesera District, under the theme “Cooperation for Enhancing Quality Education.” 🎓✨

Background of the Partnership

The teacher exchange programme is guided by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December 2021 between the Government of the Republic of Rwanda and the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe. The agreement allows both countries to exchange qualified education professionals in order to improve teaching standards, promote skills sharing, and enhance learning outcomes.

The first cohort of 157 Zimbabwean teachers arrived in Rwanda in February 2022 and has since been deployed in various schools, especially teacher training institutions. Their work has had a visible impact on improving English language teaching, science, technology, mathematics, and practical skills.

Induction and Orientation Workshop

Before being deployed to schools across the country, the new teachers completed a one-day induction programme organized by the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC). The workshop brought together both the second cohort of 143 teachers and teachers from the first cohort, creating space for mentorship, experience sharing, and collaboration 🤝.

The induction aimed to help the teachers understand:

• Rwanda’s education system
• Professional standards and ethics
• Administrative and deployment procedures
• Living and working conditions in Rwanda

Government Commitment and Leadership Messages

The Minister of State for Education, Hon. Claudette Irere, In her remarks, she praised the strong cooperation between Rwanda and Zimbabwe, saying the partnership continues to bring real value to Rwanda’s education system.

“Through the MoU signed in December 2021, Rwanda continues to benefit from the skills and experience of Zimbabwean educators. Their contribution is clearly improving learning outcomes in our schools,” she said.

She also commended the first cohort for their professionalism and dedication, encouraging the new teachers to learn from them through teamwork and mentorship.

Hon. Min of State Claudette Irere reminded the teachers that Rwanda’s education system is built on professionalism, accountability, ethical conduct, collaboration, and learner-centered teaching. She assured them of continued support from MINEDUC and its agencies to ensure smooth integration and effective service delivery.

Voices from the Teachers

Zimbabwean teachers expressed commitment and willingness to contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s education sector.

Musongi Petty Perpetual, a primary school teacher, said she is excited to share her experience while also learning from Rwanda:

“We came as the second cohort to work with and train Rwandan teachers. We are confident in our colleagues, eager to learn Rwandan culture, and committed to bringing new ideas and innovation into the education system,” she said 😊.

Regional Vision and Future Impact

Hon. Min of State Claudette Irere highlighted that Rwanda’s long-term goal is not only to benefit from this partnership but also to build strong local capacity.

“Our vision is that Rwanda will one day have enough highly skilled teachers to support other countries that still face challenges in education,” she said.

She added that African countries need to strengthen cooperation by sharing expertise rather than working in isolation.

Zimbabwe’s Commitment

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo, also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the partnership. He said Zimbabwean teachers are ready to support Rwanda, especially in technology, English, science, and teacher capacity building.

“We are here to strengthen teaching skills and share our experience. This cooperation will benefit Rwanda’s education system in a meaningful way,” he said.

With the arrival of the second cohort, Rwanda now hosts over 300 Zimbabwean teachers,The Ministry of Education expressed confidence that the spirit of partnership will continue to guide efforts toward high-quality, learner-centered education for the benefit of learners, teachers, and the region at large 🌍📚.