Kigali, October 26, 2020.
Jeremy Bimenyimana is one of Inspire, Educate and Empower Rwanda (IEE)’s 16 Pedagogical Advisors recruited to support competence-based curriculum implementation in Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs). This is part of the partnership between UNICEF and IEE in support of Rwanda Education Board efforts in support of pre-service teacher education, particularly TTCs.
Jeremy attended the week-long training at the IEE Head office in Kimironko from October 15 to October 21, 2020. He says that the training came at the right time as it was preparing him for the journey that lies ahead of him when he joins the Teacher Training Colleges soon.
He says the training was helpful to the Pedagogical Advisors as it gave them insights on key responsibilities that they will have while working in the different TTCs.
On a personal level, Jeremy says that he was able to learn more about professional knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that can help him work with tutors and student teachers as well as other staff members in the TTCs
‘’I got to understand the essence of mentorship and coaching to help the tutor who is training a future teacher and I believe such trainings should be embraced more in the entire country because TTCs are the sources of quality teachers who contribute a lot to the education system in the whole country. Therefore, investing in capacity building and training of everyone involved in this field, including Pedagogical Advisors will contribute a lot in improving the education quality in Rwanda” Jeremy said.
On being probed further about what he benefited from the training, Jeremy further said that ‘’Everyone across the globe can be a teacher but not a professional teacher because for one to be the latter, they need continuous learning which we have just been taken through in this training and I believe everyone has tremendously benefitted,’’
On a personal level, Jeremy cited a few important aspects where he feels he learnt a lot and these include how to approach and get along with colleagues in a new workplace. He also says he benefitted ideas on project implementation and management as well as approaches to provision of developmental and constructive feedback to tutors and student teachers.
Recollecting his four-year experience as a former TTC tutor, Jeremy says that this intervention is much needed to support tutors with implementation of the new competence-based curriculum for TTCs. Jeremy feels that he is well-positioned to make a change considering his thorough understanding of realities on the ground.
‘’Our hope is that Pedagogical Advisors will start off with essential technical presence at the TTC, supporting and complementing tutor work, as well as further supporting teacher trainees with understanding all the tools of this important trade- Education as a foundation of development,” said Kabera Beatrice, IEE Deputy Country Director.
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