NEWS

Friday, 19May2023, the University of Rwanda- College of Education (UR-CE) in collaboration with the UKaid-funded Building Learning Foundation (BLF) organized at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) a Certificate Awarding Ceremony to 2,759 Head Teachers of Primary Schools, Principals and Deputy Principals of Teacher at training Centres (TTCs) and District Education Officers (DEOs) in charge of Nursery, Primary Education. These graduates completed the designed and implemented CPD courses which aimed to ensure school and system leaders’ knowledge, professional skills, and attitudes to improve learning outcomes in primary schools. The UR-CE/BLF CPD courses promote workplace-based learning and strengthens the education system thereby improving learning outcomes.

In supporting leadership for learning across schools in Rwanda, BLF applies the Leadership for Learning Model which is based on the principle that learning outcomes improve with improvement in the leadership of teaching and learning. In this way, the quality of teachers and teaching improves when Head Teachers can drive improvement in their own schools, while collaborating with their counterparts in other schools and across the system.

The completed courses are specifically the CPD Certificate Course in Leadership for Learning (CLL) and the CPD Diploma in System Leadership for Learning (SLL).

A section of UR-CE/BLF CPD Graduates

The CPD Certificate Course in Leadership for Learning (CLL) is designed to provide professional development opportunities for best headteachers selected as National Leaders of Learning (NLLs) and Local Leaders of Learning (LLLs). The CLL course equipped NLLs and LLLs with the expertise to enhance practice in their own school and support their colleagues in driving school improvement.

The CPD Diploma in System Leadership for Learning (SLL) has equipped senior education professionals with the expertise and skills to drive learning improvements across districts. It has enabled District Education Officers (DEOs), Teacher Training College (TTC) Principals and Deputy Principals, and National Leaders of Learning (NLLs) to come together and to work collaboratively to bring about improvement in student outcomes.

Dr. Florien Nsanganwimana the UR-CE Acting Principal during his welcome remarks

"At the University of Rwanda-College of Education we believe that leadership is among the key factors that can drive a school performance and learning performance. When I talk of learning performance it is about how to what extent students can achieve the intended learning outcomes,” he stressed Dr. Florien Nsanganwimana the UR-CE Acting Principal in his welcome remarks.

The CPD Certificate Course in Leadership for Learning (CLL) was implemented in 2019 and its assessment completed in 2020, and the CPD Diploma Course in System Leadership for Learning (SLL) was implemented in 2020 and its assessment completed in 2021.

Minister of State/MINEDUC, Hon. Gaspard Twagirayezu during his remarks

The event was graced by the presence of Minister of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon. Gaspard Twayirayezu as the Guest of Honour. In his remarks, he noted reminded the graduates that the event marked the start of a new phase of their leadership and renewed their commitment to children learning outcomes. “Your actions will make all the difference and will determine our ability to continue transforming our education system to bring out the best in every child,” he noted.

The completed programs have boosted the confidence and skills of education actors and nurtured more positive attitudes. School leaders feel more capable of effectively leading their schools and DEOs have more confidence in their coaching and mentoring skills.

Story by

NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac
PRO, UR-CE