Bugesera: Internet Society (ISOC) Rwanda Chapter trains teachers on digital skills, the role of Internet in Education

By Alexia Bizumuremyi.

At least 50 teachers from primary schools and other teachers who did not get an opportunity to learn information, communication and technology (ICT) in Bugesera district have gained knowledge on computer basics, Internet Basics and the role of the Internet in Education,

The three-day training has been organized by Internet Society Rwanda chapter in collaboration with Bugesera district.

(ISOC) Rwanda Chapter is a national non-governmental organization created to further the cause of achieving an open and free Internet for everyone through building networks, promoting the Internet and training the next generation of Internet engineers, entrepreneurs and leaders to inform policy and educate the public about Internet -related issues in Rwanda.

Emmanuel Mfitumukiza, the Chairperson and CEO of Internet Society (ISOC) Rwanda Chapter said that current education system needs technology that enables teachers to offer courses that respond to current problems in the community.

The training targeted basically teachers in primary schools and other teachers who did not get chance to learn Technology at school.

“We came up with this idea to train teachers in terms of technology after having an assessment of the status of our country in using technology and how teachers are using it, we based on Rwanda’s education framework and we talked to the education unity in Bugesera district before we decided to equip teachers from primary schools with Internet technology skills.” He said.

Mfitumukiza said that it is an opportunity for trained teachers to get use of acquired skills in Internet technology in the current era of smart phone telecommunication that with an increased number of users.
“A teacher will be using a smart phone in planning for course outlines, existing challenges are shortage of equipment but we have started to think of solution availability where teachers will be enabled to implement what they have learnt.”

Since December 2020, Internet Society Rwanda Chapter through its program ‘Internet for Education’ has trained 293 teachers including fifty (50) teachers who have concluded their training today.

“We request the district to continue facilitating collaboration and help us achieve our objectives in line with the citizen development.” Mfitumukiza said.

According to Bugesera district’s education Unit, there is a need to have linkage between parents and children who dropped out of school to seek for a sustainable solution.

“We have learnt that we need to cater for quality education to ensure a child is motivated to stay at school. As local authority, it is under our responsibilities to link a parent whose child has dropped out with a teacher so that we sort out any problem that may be hampering a child’s education.” He added.

Beatrice Mukagatare, a teacher at G.S Gicaca said that the three-day training left them with a package of knowledge on computer basics, writing and manipulating.

“The knowledge acquired will help us to expand our thinking behavior as the world is moving towards new technologies. We will manage to use Google search engine to download current and updated lessons that are at the government’s education curriculum and we expect good results for the children.” She said.

She thanked the (ISOC) Rwanda Chapter that gave a platform for teachers who do not have enough knowledge on Information Technology to learn and adapt.

Blanche Niyogakiza, a teacher at EP. Rugando EAR said that the training is an important tool to help her improve on her daily work.
“We have gained a lot of skills in terms of my daily works in computer’s Microsoft word, Microsoft excel and power point. Excel and World documents are two things we need every day. We use word doc in writing a letter and excel when we are counting students’ marks. So, I am going to use Internet to save my documents and I am sure they will help me once for some important affairs.” She said.

Richard Mutabazi, the mayor of Bugesera District embarked on the recent journey of the ministry of education in this district with the aim to boost education quality.