Every year on October 5, the world celebrates International Teachers Day, to honour and appreciate teachers for their contribution towards education.

This year’s celebration is under the theme, "The transformation of education begins with teachers.”

It is in this context that The New Times’ Esther Favour reached out to various teachers to share what this day means to them, their experiences and role in ensuring quality and holistic education.

Eunice Tushabe, Teacher at King David Academy- Royal Kids International School

Being a teacher is a dream come true. When I was growing up, I admired being a teacher since primary school and I did all it would take to become that. With my dream, I had to offer literature as my optional subject at my senior 3, well knowing that I wanted to become a language teacher. One of the scenarios I remember is when I was joining my senior one, and I included it in my admission form that in future I want to become a teacher. This surprised my father who then asked me why, and my response to him was that ‘it had been my dream since childhood.’

Venancia Nyirahirwa, Teacher at G.S Cyarwa in Huye

This is my 12th year as a teacher; my biggest lesson is the continued learning of new things. I always live with students which makes me feel young always. My message to other teachers is that of encouragement. They all know that our job is a vocation. So, I am giving them courage and wish them all the blessings from God. Being a teacher is like a bridge for someone who needs to go from one side of life to another.

Javira Akampurira, Language teacher at Star School

Being a teacher, one would say, is the hardest profession to join because the world never seems to appreciate teachers’ efforts. But on the other hand, the side of teachers, it’s a joy having to interact with children with different backgrounds. Knowing that I have contributed a percentage to someone’s success makes me proud and encourages me to work even harder.

Daniel Habimana, Science teacher at Lycee de Kigali

A teacher works to empower, inspire and uplift. They help others to learn and build capacity of a learner as much as possible. As teachers, we need to be creative, innovative, hardworking, positive and energetic moreover with patriotism.

Elias Uwizeyimana, Teacher at GS Rutonde

To be a teacher is to transmit knowledge, skills and competence to learners. I have been a teacher for 16 years. From my career, I have learnt to be patient, manage time, team work, leadership skills, commitment, collaboration with others, being a role model and listening to others especially.

Oliver Ndagijimana, Teacher at GS Buhimba, Huye

I believe being a teacher means someone who knows the vision of the country. It means someone who is able to help the youth to achieve their future potential, bear their curiosity, misconduct, desires and behaviours.

Immaculate Mukarwiza, Nursery teacher

I have been teaching for 13 years now and have been able to see a lot of changes in my career, from increasing teachers’ pay to reducing students’ fees which is part of inclusive education. To me, nothing is more satisfying than watching learners come to school to seek knowledge.

Solange Iraha, Lecturer-Kigali Independent University

Teachers’ day is a time to reflect and celebrate the journey. Teaching is the best thing that I could ever do; watching a number of students go through my classes and make it, is something I don't take for granted. It is not an easy career but with passion, anything is possible.