HUYE - Teachers in Huye District have been called upon to be role models to students and to be agents of positive change within their communities.

Ngoma Sector Executive Secretary, Pascal Sahundwa, made the call Tuesday during celebrations to mark Teachers’ Day in the Sector.

The day was characterised by awarding certificates of recognition to the best performing schools in the sector in the national examinations.

"Teachers are highly regarded in society, you should use this privileged position to foster change in your communities. You should be in position to explain national development programmes to the local population, and any other matters arising both at the local and international scene,” advised Sahundwa.

He said that despite the seemingly meagre pay, the government was doing everything possible to ensure that teachers live decent lives.

He urged them to take advantage of the teachers Savings and Credit Scheme (Umwalimu SACCO), to invest in other income generating activities.

Father Ladislas Habimana, the head of education in Butare Catholic Diocese, called for respect for teachers who he said, are vital in nurturing children. He called for cooperation between teachers and parents in bringing up children.

Fr. Habimana noted there is need for teachers to be vigilant in monitoring the discipline of pupils and decried the increasing cases of drug abuse in schools.

"We are facing new threats in our schools which call for new measures in countering them. The penetration of mobile phones and the use of marijuana and other vices call for different approaches if we are to ensure discipline in our schools,” the priest said.

Jean Pierre Hategekimana, a teacher at Ecole Notre Dame de la Providence, commended government efforts in ensuring that teachers live a decent life. He cited the early payment of teachers’ salaries and the setting up Umwalimu SACCO.

Teachers gathered at Huye stadium.

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