University of Rwanda-College of Education : The Prime Minister visits Rukara Campus

21 February 2019 will remain a historic moment for the fraternity of the University of Rwanda-College of Education as it marks the first visit of the Right Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, Dr. Edouard NGIRENTE, to Rukara Campus.

The Rt Hon PM touring the RUKARA Campus facilities along with his delegation. Prof. NJOROGE talks about the current Campus state of affairs as they go ahead

The Right Honorable Prime Minister, who was accompanied by members of the Cabinet and other high ranking Government officials from different institutions, including the Governor of the Eastern Province was enthusiastically welcomed by University of Rwanda Vice-Chancellor Prof. Phil COTTON, DVC Strategic Planning and Administration, Dr. Papias Malimba MUSAFIRI and the Principal of the College of Education, Prof .George K.NJOROGE as well as staff and students from the College of Education.

The Rt Hon PM visiting the Centre where parents of children with disabilities are assisted through Uduseke Craft Project

While touring the Campus he visited the Centre for Persons with Disabilities support related services. He talked to parents of children with disabilities assisted by the School of Inclusive and Special Needs Education through Uduseke Craft Project meant for income generation so that the parents can fruitfully support their children.

Dr. Florien NSANGANWIMANA (left) giving explanations about facilities in the Biology Lab

Other visited facilities included the main Female’s Hostel, Laboratories and the recently installed Multimedia Studio in the new classrooms building.

The Rt Hon PM visiting the Multimedia Studio. In the Control Room ; Dr. NDUWINGOMA Mathias explains about the studio.

The Multimedia Studio was financially supported by the UNESCO- KFIT Project" ICT Transforming Education in Africa" and is meant to enhance blended teaching and learning activities as explained by Dr. Mathias NDUWINGOMA, the Director of the Centre for Open, Distance Education and e-Learning (CODeL). The Prime Minister commended all concerned parties for this important initiative which is aligned with the Government’s policy to enhance the use of ICT in education.

In his brief interaction with the students and staff, the Right Honorable Prime Minister commended the University of Rwanda for the good work it has done so far to modernize the College of Education. He reiterated the strong Government of Rwanda commitment in supporting the education sector. He stressed that the Government of Rwanda has adopted key strategies to promote quality of education and incentives for teachers who are key in advancing Rwanda’s vision to become a knowledge-based economy.

The incentives include among others a 10% salary increment for Primary and Secondary school teachers in public and government-aided schools with effect from March 2019, waiver of payment of loans for the teachers who remain in service for five years after graduation as well as award for funding to undertake Masters Degrees in Education.

Prime Minister Dr. Edouard NGIRENTE addressing students and staff

After the speech by the Right Honourable Prime Minister students and staff were given an opportunity to ask questions which were responded to. The Prime Minister reiterated the continued Government of Rwanda support to address challenges that may hinder the College of Education from delivering effectively on its mandate as well as the University of Rwanda in general.

Story by

NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac
Public Relations and Community Engagement Officer
University of Rwanda-College of Education