For many young people, teaching was rarely seen as a dream career. It was often regarded as a last resort rather than a true calling. However, with the introduction of the Teaching Assistantships Project by Inspire, Educate, and Empower Rwanda (IEE) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, a new generation of educators is emerging. These individuals are not only acquiring essential skills but also developing a genuine passion for teaching as a career.
Niyigena Mubaraka, one of the Teaching Assistants in the project, admits that the initiative has transformed his perspective on education and personal growth.
“This project has taught me that my past does not define who I am today. Through IEE, I have discovered my potential and the true value of learning,” he shares.
More than just developing teaching skills, the Teaching Assistantships Project is shaping mindsets. Traditional education methods that focused primarily on teachers as the sole source of knowledge are being replaced by learner-centered teaching and learning. “This project helped us shift from a teacher-centered approach to a learner-centered approach, where students actively participate in their learning process,” says Niyigena Mubaraka, one of the Teaching Assistants.
For Kundwa Ikuzwe Douceline Sandra, also a Teaching Assistant at Groupe Scolaire Nyanza, the project was a game-changer.
“I never thought I would enjoy teaching this much. But when you see students learning and applying what you have taught them, it gives you a sense of fulfillment and pride,” she says.
Kundwa also stresses that the training has not only equipped her with teaching techniques but has also provided her with personal development skills, including decision-making and emotional management.
“These skills will help me not only in my career but also in managing my personal life and family,” she adds.
Beyond Teaching Assistants, Head teachers are also witnessing the transformative impact of the project. Nkurikiyumukiza Eduard, the Head teacher of Groupe Scolaire Remera Protestant, expressed his gratitude for the initiative. “IEE is shaping a future where students grow to appreciate education. Education is something you cannot run away from—if you are not a teacher at school, you are a teacher at home for your children,” he emphasizes.
About the Teaching Assistantships Project
The Teaching Assistantships Project, spearheaded by Inspire Educate and Empower Rwanda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of education in Rwanda by preparing high school graduates to become passionate and skilled educators. Now in its second phase, the project is not just equipping young people with teaching skills but also instilling a passion for education. By focusing on mentorship, practical classroom experience, and personal growth, the initiative is helping reshape the future of education in Rwanda.
Through this project, education is no longer just about knowledge transfer, it is about inspiring both teachers and students to embrace learning as a lifelong journey. With every trained Teaching Assistant, Inspire Educate and Empower Rwanda (IEE) is nurturing a new generation that sees teaching as a noble and fulfilling profession, proving that education, indeed, is the foundation of a better future.