Top ten performing teachers across the country were on November 2, awarded for their outstanding commitment and dedication to improving the quality of education in the country.They were awarded during the celebration of Teachers Day held at the BK Arena and drew over 6,000 educators.The awardees were selected by Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) and Umwalimu SACCO.Each winner was given a motorcycle.Some of the best-performing teachers shared their experience with The New Times and among those include Benjamin Nsanzumuhire, a physics, arts and music teacher at the Teachers' Training College (TTC) Gacuba 2, located in Rubavu District who shared his delight after been called out as one of the best.“This is a joyful moment that we can’t express in a short time. Personally, I am thankful to God and to the government for this recognition,” he said.Nsanzumuhire noted that his uniqueness as a teacher is recycling papers and using them to teach art in an advanced technological way. He records himself and posts his lessons on YouTube so that his students can easily access his lectures and can even go back to them at a later stage for revision.He said that his motorcycle will help him to arrive at his job on time. He urges teachers to work hard and share their achievements and ideas with others.Vandrada Nirere also walked away with a motorcycle and a certificate. She expressed her gratitude as she said that the day also marked her 40th birthday.She is thankful to Umwalimu SACCO because she is able to access SACCO services even if she is a teacher in a private school. Nirere believes that the motorcycle generates more revenue for her family.Thomas Nzeyimana, a social studies teacher in GS Karenge in Nyabihu District said that teacher’s day is an important day for them because they are recognized, awarded and understood.He said that his uniqueness that led him to the award is his projects. He acquired small loans to invest in seed multipliers to address the shortage of foodstuffs in his neighborhood. He worked hand in hand with Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) and they supplied him with the seeds. As his project grew, he started selling fertilizers.Chantal Uwimbabazi, a teacher at GS Muyange in Kicukiro District, said she was awarded because she acquired a loan from Umwalimu SACCO and invested the money in her bachelor’s degree and grew her business.“I will use the motorcycle for transportation of my family and property, and it will help me arrive at my workplace earlier. I urge teachers to use Umwalimu SACCO because it will help them in their everyday life,” she said.
