As children get older, they spend more and more time at school, interacting with educators. To govern the important interaction, Ministerial Order N° 004/2016 of 08/01/2016 was established to govern the code of conduct of headmasters, teachers and students. Article 5 of the Ministerial Order determining rules governing code of conduct of headmasters, teachers and students says that a teacher is responsible for the provision of quality education. The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child defines quality education as one that develops a child’s personality, talents, and mental and physical abilities, among other things. Another thing that a teacher is mandated with is providing a favourable environment for teaching and learning. Studies indicate that a favourable classroom environment is one that is safe, facilitates interactive learning, supports interconnectedness for students and teachers, and encourages individuality. Teachers are responsible for providing equitable learning opportunities for students without any discrimination. The ministerial order governing the conduct of headmasters, teachers and students uses the term “equitable” instead of “equal” because every student is unique and as such, requires unique attention. So a teacher would, for instance, be wrong to treat every student like a fast learner. Teachers are responsible for helping students to identify and respect Rwandan values. Rwandan values are found in the national motto and they are; unity, work and patriotism. A teacher also has a duty to help provide knowledge and encourage students to use that knowledge to think independently and form their own judgments. Another skill that the ministerial order governing the code of conduct of headmasters, teachers and students expects teachers to impart to their students is respecting the opinions of others in a debate on a given topic. Teachers must also help students to observe personal hygiene everywhere they are and instil the spirit of excellence in everything they do. The ministerial order governing the code of conduct of headmasters, teachers and students prohibits teachers from abusing their position by engaging students in acts for own interests. For instance, sending students to run personal errands, giving them harsh punishments or hindering their education is prohibited. Teachers are expected to be a good example to the students that they teach. In other words, the ministerial order governing the code of conduct of headmasters, teachers and students mandates teachers to be role models.
