A total of 3,532 new primary school teachers are now available for employment following the release of last year’s examination results from teacher training colleges.

Of the 4,038 candidates who sat TTC exams, 506 could not attain the required pass mark to earn a Primary Teacher Education Certificate, according to the results, released yesterday by the Ministry of Education.

Some 4,038 candidates sat the exams last year, a 36.6 per cent increase from the 3,355 candidates who sat in 2013.

Prof. George Njoroge, the principal of the College of Education, University of Rwanda, said those who passed are now available and can conduct lessons in primary schools.

At least 362 (among them 264 females), representing 9.46 per cent, obtained distinctions, while 2,604 (1,423 females) got credit and 546 (388 females ) a pass.

"Although there are still challenges with the medium of communication, mentors were placed in several training colleges to facilitate improvement in communication and other skills of the teachers,” Prof. Njoroge said.

This year, the number of dropouts after registration reduced significantly to 78.

Alphonse Uworwabayeho, the head of department of Early childhood and Primary Education, said private students still make up the biggest proportion of failures and dropouts.

"Since some private students rarely show up at schools, they are usually disturbed by course units such as foundation and teaching practice yet these are essential,” Uworwabayeho said.

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