The Rwandan government, in partnership with the World Bank, has invested more than 74 billion Rwandan francs ($67 million) to modernize 16 model Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) and 16 nearby institutions where education students complete practical training.
The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) said the project, launched in 2021, aims to align teacher training with Rwanda’s long-term development goals and to encourage students to pursue teaching as a profession.
Modern facilities include dormitories, laboratories, classrooms, and technology equipment designed to enhance learning.
Frère Niyonshuti Jean Paul, director of TTC de la Salle in Gicumbi District, said the upgraded infrastructure has helped students study more effectively and prepares them for careers in education.
“The buildings support students in every aspect of education,” he said. “They also provide the tools needed to prepare the teachers of tomorrow.”
TTC de la Salle, originally built in the 1950s, enrolls 993 students, including 464 girls and 529 boys, across four education streams. Renovations include a girls’ dormitory, new offices for staff and administrators, eight classrooms, a mentor-teacher building, and a practical teaching room for lesson preparation.
Student Umuhoza Jean Paul, studying science at TTC de la Salle, said the new laboratories help him understand and apply what he learns during teaching practice at G.S. Byumba.
“The laboratories give us confidence and help us understand our lessons,” he said. “They will help us become quality teachers in the future.”
Hashakineza Jean Claude, MINEDUC’s media director, said the government continues to ensure teacher trainees are equipped with skills and technology to support Rwanda’s 2050 vision.
“Teachers must know how to use technology and have sufficient resources to teach effectively,” he said. “That’s why the government has invested in buildings, laboratories, dormitories, and other learning tools.”
The TTC de la Salle project cost more than 1.2 billion Rwandan francs. In the second phase, a new kitchen will be built, and the boys’ dormitory will be renovated at an estimated 400 million francs. MINEDUC expects the project to be completed by 2026, helping future teachers gain modern skills to better educate primary school students.
