The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Rwanda (AIMS), in partnership with Mastercard Foundation and Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), on March 26, awarded more than 200 science and mathematics teachers from across the country, who participated in its Teacher Training Programme.
"The awarding ceremony is an event to appreciate the work of our teachers and their contribution to the education of children in this country,” Prof Sam Yala, the Centre President of AIMS Rwanda, said.
The awarding ceremony aims to increase teachers’ motivation in teaching and learning science and mathematics and to foster a culture of appreciation for Rwanda’s science and mathematics teachers.
This is the third edition of the awarding ceremony. It is part of AIMS Teacher Training Programme, an initiative aimed at enhancing the learning outcomes in mathematics and science for secondary school students. The Teacher Training Programme is implemented in 14 districts in Rwanda.
The programme aims to increase the quality of education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Yala said.
"We have so far trained about 5,000 teachers in the 14 districts. The Teacher Training Programme has four pillars. The first pillar is training the teachers and master trainers. Second is learning material resources and ICT support, whereby for example we provide schools with science kits and smart classrooms,” he said.
The third pillar is about public engagement and outreach, and the teacher awards programme is part of this pillar. Then the fourth pillar is evidence collection for policy dialogue.
One of the unique aspects of the programme is its focus on addressing gender stereotypes that often discourage girls from pursuing science and mathematics.
"The objective of this project is to increase the number of young girls and boys who choose to study STEM subjects. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are very key fields for the socio-economic development of any country. If we increase the number of girls and boys in these fields, we will be working towards the development of our country. That is why AIMS, through the teacher training programme, is putting efforts in improving the quality of STEM education,” he said.
The programme offers professional development courses for in-service teachers, classroom resources, and technology-equipped classrooms to enhance the teaching and learning of science and mathematics and increase student transition to STEM education at the tertiary level and careers thereafter. The programme also addresses stereotypes that discourage girls from studying math and science.
The Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board REB), Dr Nelson Mbarushimana, said projects like the teacher training programme will help the government reach its targets.
"These projects are implemented in accordance with government policies to increase quality education, especially among those pursuing science and mathematics. Secondary schools are the basis for the improvement of science teaching and with quality education at that level, students will be able to excel in their further academic endeavours,” Mbarushimana said.
On March 26, the annual teacher awards ceremony was held in Kigali, sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation, marking the third edition of the event. Additionally, 420 newly trained teachers graduated under the AIMS programme as part of the ceremony.
Awardees are selected among teachers and educational leaders from 14 Leaders in Teaching Initiative (LIT) districts where AIMS programme is being implemented and in schools participating in the Pan African Mathematical Olympiads (PAMO).
"I teach mathematics. Before the AIMS training, I used to teach more theory than practice, but with the training, we have got enough knowledge and teaching materials that enable us to teach maths using more practical methods,” said Mediatrice Niyonizera, one of the awarded teachers who come from Nyanza District, who completed the training after five years.
Fidele Tuyishime, a teacher from Nyamasheke District, said, "From this training, I have learnt how to use ICT in teaching, which will enable me to teach mathematics. We used to use pens and pieces of chalk, but now we are able to use projectors, computers, and students can work on their assignments using the ICT rooms available in our schools.”
Emmanuel Hamez, the CEO of Airtel Rwanda, said they were proud to sponsor the AIMS programme.
"Mathematics is very important, especially in the ICT and telecom sector. Today, we have artificial intelligence, and algorithms. We are entering a new era in which mathematics will be key. And I am happy to see Rwanda and AIMS working together to promote STEM teaching because there is a lot of demand for mathematicians and scientists. Before the end of 2023, Airtel will continue to work with AIMS to provide high-quality internet in schools, which will be faster and with quicker latency,” Hamez said.