It is one thing to be a teacher but, it is another to love teaching as a profession, and encourage others to take it up. Though it might be one of the least lucrative professions, being a teacher goes just beyond standing in class with chalk and duster in hand, ensuring that the ‘stubborn’ children pay attention to their studies. For Goretti Uyizeye Mutaga, teaching is a calling which is backed up by passion. Her teaching career spans over 41 years, but even as she retires, the educator believes that at 65, there is much more she can offer in her capacity. Uyizeye retired with grace after 41 years in class. “I started teaching in 1980 when I was 24 and retired in 2021 at age of 65,” says Uyizeye, who marked 41 years in service on November 13. “I loved and enjoyed my teaching profession. Every time I did it, I felt like I was born to do that job. Even now, I am retired not because I am tired but because it’s time to retire,” says Uyizeye. Those who studied at FAWE Girls and Lycée Notre-Dame de Cîteaux remember her very well as the affable, supporting and graceful teacher often referred to as ‘Mummy.’ Women are naturally good teachers Uyizeye, who taught English, Divinity and Literature in English encourages more young people, especially young women, to take up teaching because it is a noble profession that nurtures and shapes humanity. “I encourage young women to join the teaching profession. Whether you join it or not, however, women are naturally teachers, trainers and mentors, whether in their homes, churches or communities,” she notes. The retired teacher believes women become good teachers because the training complements the natural aforementioned skills, however this doesn’t stop with girls, she says adding that more people need to pick interest in teaching as a necessity for society. “Those who are in the profession already, keep the courage and momentum, great are your rewards and the difference you are making in society.” Even after her retirement, the 65-year-old hopes to continue mentoring and coaching young teachers. She also hopes to continue offering support in teaching and serving in church. A long track record Uyizeye became a teacher in 1980 in Uganda, where she was a refugee like many other Rwandans. Between 1980 and 1986, she started teaching at St Edwards Bukumi in Kibaale district and between 1987 and 1994, she taught at Rukoni Secondary School in South Western Uganda. After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, she returned to Rwanda and between 1995 and 2000 she taught at Lycée Notre-Dame de Cîteaux. From 2001 to 2021 when she retired, she was a teacher at FAWE Girls School. A social media drive started by one of her former students to give her a perfect send-off attracted hundreds who had only good things to say about Uyizeye. “Ooh how I love this gallant mother and educator! She is my great friend. She is full of life and Joy. God bless you dear Mama. You are more than a teacher,” posted one Paddy Musoke. “My own English teacher at FAWE 2001-2005. She has done an amazing job. She deserves medals and crowns,” added Winnie Ingabire. Many of the comments described her as loving, caring and compassionate to her students and treated every child as her own. Others said that Uyizeye exuded grace and dignity throughout the many schools she taught and her legacy is one to protect. The mother of five and six grandchildren was recognised for her contribution and commitment to education as she retires.
