The Rwanda Education Board (REB) has reassured teachers that improving their welfare remains a priority, with continued efforts to strengthen their working and living conditions.
The message came as Rwanda joined the rest of the world on Monday, October 5, 2026, to mark World Teachers’ Day, an occasion that recognises the important role teachers play in education and national development.
This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme, “Supporting teachers: 60 years of protecting, promoting and preparing the teaching profession for the future.”
Rwanda is marking its 25th Teachers’ Day, with celebrations taking place across the country at district level. Each district has selected one sector to host the main celebrations, while other sectors are also holding activities to commemorate the day.
Mugenzi Ntawukuriryayo Léon, head of Teacher Development at REB, said the institution continues to look at practical ways of supporting teachers because of the critical role they play in shaping the country’s future.
“Whether they teach in pre-primary, primary or secondary schools, teachers need decent living conditions, including having a place to live and being able to stay close to their families. These are among the issues we consider as we look at ways of improving teachers’ welfare,” he said.
Mugenzi said efforts to support teachers form part of the government’s broader long-term programme to ensure that public servants have good living and working conditions.
He noted, however, that teachers deserve particular attention because of the responsibility they carry in educating and preparing future generations.
“We are not sitting back. Teachers should know that we are not sitting back; we are continuously looking for ways to improve their lives,” he said.
Over the years, Rwanda has introduced a number of measures aimed at improving teachers’ welfare and strengthening the education system.
Teachers have benefited from salary increases, while financial services provided through Umwalimu SACCO have given them opportunities to save and access loans to support their personal and economic development.
The education sector has also placed greater emphasis on professional development and teacher training. Teachers who previously lacked the required professional qualifications have been supported to obtain relevant training and credentials, leaving the vast majority with qualifications suited to the profession.
Despite these gains, teachers continue to identify areas where further support is needed.
Among their proposals is the establishment of a dedicated Mwarimu Shop, where teachers would have access to goods and services under favourable conditions. The proposal follows similar arrangements that have been made for members of the security sector, including the military and police.
REB estimates that Rwanda has more than 110,000 teachers working in pre-primary, primary and secondary schools.
