Parliament okays setting up Teacher Service Commission

PARLIAMENT - Last week Parliament passed a bill that will set up and determine the structure and organization of a national Teacher Service Commission. “First of all, we examined why this commission is being set up,” Bisengimana Elysée, the head of the parliamentary Education Commission told the chamber of deputies. “We found out that it was essential just like any other pertinent commission.” According to the new law, the Rwanda Teacher Service Comission (RTSC) will be autonomous in administration and management of its resources and employees. It will also be managed in accordance with rules governing other government institutions. After presenting the commission’s report, however, deputies raised questions – most of them arising from the lack clarity on several issues. Some legislators, including Charles Kamanda, Rugema Mike and Ezéchias Rwabuhihi, pointed out that merely saying ‘teacher’ was not enough. MPs called for a clear and well encompassing definition of the teachers that the commission will cater for. Debate also ensued over article 10 of the law in which it is stated that one must be Rwandan in order to qualify to be commissioner. Some MPs argued that it would be ideal to allow a knowledge ‘in-flow’ given today’s open society. “We thought this could be very reasonable,” Bisengimana said of the clause, “but the commission will have other technical levels which could use foreign nationals’ expertise.” On the issue of conceptual clarity, he stressed that teachers would not only be the teaching staff but also some others like laboratory technicians and librarians. Consequently, others such as a school bursar are not included and clear guidelines will be set. “Other workers will be put in their own special category,” said Bisengimana. He also revealed that the commission will not be responsible for institutions of higher learning. There will also be two categories of teachers – professionals and non-professionals. He underscored the need and importance of restructuring the teaching profession. Théoneste Mutsindashyaka, State Minister for Primary and Secondary Education also attended Thursday’s plenary session and responded to some of the legislators’ queries.“Conceptual clarity as to who is a teacher and who is not is important,” he underscored, “this will help us in management.” Regarding the issue of professional teachers, Mutsindashyaka pointed out that there were many non-qualified teachers and that it posed a problem. He reiterated the need to make structural improvements. After his appointment as State Minister for Primary and Secondary Education early this year, Mutsindashyaka vowed to bring about significant improvement in education.“I will try to improve our children’s education and the results will be noticeable,” he said. Mutsindashyaka was the Mayor of Kigali City before being appointed to govern the Eastern province about two years ago. Ends

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Parliament okays setting up Teacher Service Commission