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UR-CE Principal Prof. Florien Nsanganwimana (5th from left) joins participants in a group photo at the close of the Training of Trainers (ToT) on Gender-Responsive Pedagogy (GRP) in STEM education.

Officially closing the Training of Trainers on Gender Responsive Pedagogy in STEM education, UR-CE Principal Prof Florien Nsanganwimana delivered a message that combined appreciation with a strong call to action.

The four day training, organized by the Rwanda Association for Women in Science and Engineering with support from the HEP TED projects at the University of Rwanda College of Education and Rwanda Polytechnic, was conducted in Kigali from 24 to 27 March 2026. It brought together lecturers, researchers, and mentors from University of Rwanda and Rwanda Polytechnic colleges committed to advancing gender responsive teaching in STEM.

Prof. Nsanganwimana commended RAWISE and its partners for bringing together educators from different institutions, noting that such collaboration is key to meaningful and lasting change. He expressed confidence in the partnership:
“What this partnership is achieving progressively shows that it will be impactful.”

He reminded participants that the training marks the beginning of a new responsibility:
“You are now trainers of trainers. Your work starts after we leave this room.”

The closing ceremony also featured presentations from each institution. Participants shared key lessons learned and reflected on practices they are committed to improving to advance gender responsive pedagogy.

The session included remarks from RAWISE President Dr. Chantal Cyurinyana, who acknowledged the support received from both the University of Rwanda and Rwanda Polytechnic and outlined the roadmap beyond the training. Mrs. Ingabire Dominique, speaking on behalf of Rwanda Polytechnic leadership, reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the outcomes.

Prof. Wenceslas Nzabalirwa, HEP TED Project Coordinator at the University of Rwanda College of Education, appreciated the training, noting that it directly contributes to the project’s goal of strengthening the capacity of higher education institutions through improved pedagogy. He commended participants for their active engagement and emphasized that promoting gender responsive pedagogy is a key step toward achieving quality teacher education in line with national priorities.

Emphasizing accountability, Prof Nsanganwimana urged participants to apply and share the knowledge gained:
“We should not disappoint those who invested their time and resources to train you.”

He stressed the need for follow up and monitoring to sustain impact:
“It is our responsibility to ensure that we implement and monitor the knowledge and skills gained from this training.”

He also highlighted the importance of the network formed during the training:
“You have come together from different institutions. This network is very important.”

“When you organize training in your institutions, invite your colleagues from this network.”

Addressing the broader goal, he noted that bias remains a challenge but can be addressed through deliberate strategies:
“We must find strategies to overcome bias so that we achieve what we are capable of achieving.”

He concluded by commending participants for their active engagement, noting that their presentations showed clear understanding and readiness to take action.

Story by
NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac
PRO, UR-College of Education