Promoting quality education is a priority for a country targeting to become a knowledge-based economy, Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente, said Thursday.

He was speaking to students at the University of Rwanda - College of Education, Rukara Campus, in Gahini Sector, Kayonza District as part of his one-day visit in Gatsibo, Kayonza, and Rwamagana districts in Eastern Province.

He was assessing the implementation of government’s plans in the four sectors of health, education, horticulture, and industry.

PM Ngirente delivers his remarks during at University of Rwanda’s College of Education in Rukara Sector, Kayonza District on Thursday.

"You cannot become a knowledge-based economy without promoting education; our country is committed to it. Our economy is based on knowledge, a knowledge-based on offering real quality education to Rwandan children,” said PM Ngirente.

Minister of Education, Dr Eugene Mutimura

"We will achieve this through you who study education,” he noted.

(L-R) Eastern Province Governor, Fred Mufulukye, PM Ngirente, Minister of Education Mutimura and Mayor of Kayonza District, Jean-Claude Murenzi, visiting GS Nyagahandagaza

"We would like to inform you that the government prioritises education and is putting more efforts into it. You are the forces of tomorrow and we hope that you will be productive as the country expects you to be,” he added.

PM Ngirente in the centre, with University of Rwanda's officials, and other government leaders, at UR Rukara Campus

"Not only do we invest in those studying education, when we say we support students who pursued the teaching career, we also support those who teach them,” he explained.

UR-Rukara Campus has got many new buildings, and the PM pointed out that it is not an accident, but the country's aim to enhance learning environment, and the quality of education.

Recently, the government announced a 10 per cent increase in primary and secondary teachers’ salaries, starting in March.

It also announced it would waive repayment of student loans for primary school teachers who teach for three years after graduation, and five years for a secondary school teacher.

PM Ngirente also visited GS Nyagahandagaza, a secondary school located in Gahini Sector, Kayonza District. In this picture, they were coming from the school's kitchen

The Minister of Education, Eugene Mutimura, said that nearly 1,000 teachers quit the career every term.

"The incentives will retain them in the teaching career because we have found out that many people quit teaching career every year. This will make them stay and contribute to better education”.

editorial@newtimesrwanda.com