In a bid to address the recurring demand for academic staff, Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) has unveiled plans to hold teachers’ recruitment examinations for aspiring candidates. The scheduled exams are set to take place from August 16 to 22. According to Léon Mugenzi, the Head of Teacher Development, Management, Career Guidance, and Counselling Department at REB, there is a need for new teachers across all districts at the commencement of each academic year. ALSO READ: Govt to recruit 8,000 teachers next academic year Mugenzi emphasized that the augmentation of teaching personnel, including directors of studies, directors of discipline, accountants, and librarians, in schools arises from the escalating number of classrooms and the replacement of individuals exiting teaching positions due to various reasons. The definitive tally of required educators and administrative staff will be determined in consultation with District Education Officers by the end of August, as announced by Mugenzi. REB is keen to enhancing pre-primary education with the aim of bolstering children's literacy and numeracy proficiencies. Mugenzi indicated a demand for over 2000 teachers in this area. Another driving force behind the teacher recruitment initiative is the aspiration to lower the student-to-teacher ratio within classrooms. The surge in demand for ICT teachers, in conjunction with the nation's implementation of smart classrooms, has accentuated the necessity for new teaching personnel. ALSO READ: 40% expected to attend pre-primary school by 2024 Mugenzi underscored the continuity of placing teachers in schools, addressing needs as they arise. He stated, Our commitment to deploying teachers is an ongoing journey. We respond to demands promptly. He elaborated on the examination process, detailing that candidates receive their scores immediately at the examination center upon completion. Subsequently, candidates are placed on a waiting list, and school assignments are determined based on their exam performance and available vacancies. It's noteworthy that even if a candidate who undertook the exam this year achieves higher marks than one who sat for the exam last year, the latter will still be accorded priority in placement, Mugenzi clarified.
