Rwanda has welcomed a second group of teachers from Zimbabwe as part of an ongoing education exchange programme between the two countries.
The 143 teachers were officially received during an induction ceremony held in Bugesera District. They arrived in Kigali on Sunday, 21 December, and will soon be deployed to schools across the country.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Education, Irere Claudette, urged the teachers to bring fresh ideas and new perspectives into Rwandan classrooms.
She said teacher exchange programmes are important for professional growth and for strengthening Rwanda’s education system.
“This programme is meant to help build a generation of highly skilled teachers who can contribute not only in Rwanda but across Africa,” she said.
The new arrivals will join a first group of 154 Zimbabwean teachers who came to Rwanda three years ago under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two governments.
Ms Irere praised the first group for their commitment and professionalism, and encouraged the new teachers to learn from their experience as they settle into their new schools.
She said early assessments of the programme have already shown positive results, especially in students’ confidence and ability to use English.
“Normally, programmes like this are fully evaluated after six years,” she said. “But even after only two years, we are seeing encouraging improvements, particularly among students in Teacher Training Colleges.”
She also reminded the teachers that Rwanda’s education system values professionalism, accountability and ethical conduct, and asked them to work closely with local teachers and school leaders.
Under the agreement, Zimbabwean teachers will support teaching in English, science, technology and practical subjects, with the aim of improving the overall quality of education.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Public Service, Edgar Moyo, said the exchange allows teachers from his country to share innovative teaching methods and gain international experience.
One of the teachers, Musongi Petty, who has 15 years of experience teaching English, said the programme offers a valuable opportunity to collaborate and improve learning outcomes for students.
The initiative follows a 2022 Rwanda–Zimbabwe agreement and reflects broader efforts to strengthen education systems through cooperation across Africa.
