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The Association of Committed Teachers (ACT) Rwanda grew out of the first Wellspring Teacher Training Conference in 2004. At this conference the participants expressed their longing for teachers to strengthen each other in their profession and faith.
In response, the Association was launched on March 12th, 2005 with a challenge from prominent educators, church leaders, and members of government to make a difference and impact the nation.
 In the past couple years the Association has grown to nearly 800 members and has spread outside the capital city to three Rwanda provinces. Wellspring has continued to serve in an advisory capacity and works closely with the membership of ACT Rwanda.
Former primary school teacher Fred Buyinza is the ACT Rwanda Chairman and a great inspiration to his fellow teachers. "Teachers are more precious than gold to the nation," he says. "Each one makes a real long lasting impact on the many children whose values, attitudes, knowledge, skills, and wisdom, will form the foundation for the next generation."
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Pastors in support of teachers |
Fred Buyinza, the chairman for the Association of Committed Teachers (ACT) Rwanda, has spent the last two weeks traveling all over Rwanda. These trips are not uncommon for Fred, as he often goes to the different provinces for short visits to encourage teachers. This trip, however, was slightly different. Fred wasn’t just meeting with teachers, he was also going to speak with pastors. You might be wondering, “What do pastors have to do with education?” As far as ACT is concerned, pastors, and the church, are perfectly placed to play a key role in supporting education within their communities.
At the beginning of the year ACT’s National Committee, made up of representatives from each province, sat down to discuss the areas they wanted to focus on. One of the committee’s main goals was to strengthen the unity between teachers; to encourage them to serve and learn from each other, to grow in their Christian faith by meeting to fellowship together, and to help create support networks for teachers. During their discussion, they realized the critical role pastors could play in supporting teachers.
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Read more... [Pastors in support of teachers]
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Teacher Fred goes to Oxford |
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Association of Committed Teachers (ACT) Rwanda Chairman Fred Buyinza recently took his first trip to Europe for an international conference on Christian education at Oxford. Needless to say, he came back with many observations about the differences between Europe and Rwanda and an increased clarity about the important discipleship role of ACT Rwanda within the lives of Rwandan teachers.
When Fred got off the plane, he couldn't believe how fast everyone was moving. Running here and there, everyone seemed to know where they were going, but he did his best to follow signs, made it through immigration and got his bags okay. He was so relieved to find the people there to pick him up and they had even brought coats for him. They were surprised to find that an African had actually come prepared with enough gear - Fred was already wrapped up in a hat, scarf, mittens, and multiple jackets!
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Read more... [Teacher Fred goes to Oxford]
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