Helping people learn, developing young people and contributing to the community are what inspired Noel Barakamfitiye to become a teacher.

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That motivation has kept him in the classroom for 17 years, during which he has taught at three schools. As the world marks World Teachers’ Day on Monday, October 5, Barakamfitiye said he was overjoyed to have been part of Rwanda's education sector. He is now teaching at Kinama Primary School in Ruhango District, having previously taught at G.S. Janja in Gisagara District and G.S. Nyarugenge in Ruhango District.

At Kinama Primary School, Barakamfitiye teaches Social Studies and Religious Education, Science and Elementary Technology, and Kinyarwanda.

"I was inspired to become a teacher because I have always had a passion for helping others learn, developing young people, and contributing to the development of my community,” he said.

He said education is one of the strongest ways to transform individuals and society, which is why he has remained committed to teaching despite the challenges that come with the profession.

His 17 years in teaching have also given him the opportunity to see how the education system has evolved. One of the biggest changes, he says, has been the move from teacher-centred teaching to learner-centred learning.

"Over the years, I have seen teaching become more learner-centred, with greater use of interactive teaching methods, ICT, continuous assessment, inclusive education, and competency-based learning,” he said.

The changes have required teachers to use different teaching methods and resources to respond to learners with different abilities and needs.

"Some of the challenges we face include large classes, limited teaching and learning resources, differences in learners’ abilities, workload, and the need to continuously adapt to new educational approaches and technologies,” he said.

Barakamfitiye noted that teachers can deal with some of these difficulties through collaboration, professional development, creativity and effective classroom management, as well as working closely with parents and school administrators.

What makes the work worthwhile for him is seeing learners understand what they are taught, learn new concepts, improve their performance and gain confidence.

The educator finds it rewarding when former learners become responsible and successful people in society and remember the contribution their teachers made to their lives.

Although teaching has not always been easy, Barakamfitiye said he has remained in the profession because he believes in its purpose.

He continues to find meaning in helping learners develop academically, socially and morally. He also continues to look for ways to improve himself and become a better teacher.

Barakamfitiye wants his learners to remember him as a dedicated, supportive, fair and inspiring teacher who believed in their potential. He also wants them to remember the values, discipline, confidence and positive attitude he encouraged them to develop, beyond what they learnt in the classroom.