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My name is Irenee Ndayambaje, and I am proud and happiest when called a teacher. My entire career—spanning formal education, training, and employment—has revolved around education. Achieving the rank of Associate Professor of Educational Policy and Planning marks the fulfillment of a lifelong dream : contributing meaningfully to the development of educational policies that guide plans, drive the education sector, and prepare future generations to become valuable human capital.

Educational institutions operate in diverse contexts, and effective planning is essential to ensure they adapt and thrive. However, the success of educational policies depends on more than good intentions—it requires a foundation built on rigorous research and inclusive consultation. Policies must be informed by data and evidence to address real challenges and meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.

Equally crucial is engaging a broad spectrum of voices in the policy process, including educators, students, parents, policymakers, and community members. These stakeholders bring unique insights and perspectives, ensuring that policies are practical, relevant, and widely supported. When educational policies are crafted, adopted, implemented, and evaluated through collaborative efforts, they are far more likely to achieve sustainable and transformative outcomes.

This achievement is not mine alone. It reflects personal commitment, collegial support, and the encouragement of remarkable teachers who believed in my potential. Their guidance pushed me to go further and strive for excellence.

I am reminded of the words of Dan Rather : “The dream begins, most of the time, with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you on to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.” These words resonate deeply with me, as I owe much of my journey to teachers who inspired and challenged me to excel.

Today, as I continue to expand my network and scientific contributions in the field of educational policy and planning, I am committed to advancing research-informed approaches and fostering inclusive consultation in educational policymaking. I also remain dedicated to mentoring and supporting others, knowing that together we can strengthen the foundation of education and inspire future generations to achieve their full potential.

Associate Professor Irenee NDAYAMBAJE
University of Rwanda-College of Education