THE first batch of teachers assigned to Rwanda under a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Zimbabwe is set to travel mid-this month, the first of the major bilaterals expected between the two countries.

A historical step and opportunity of a lifetime, Leona Musekiwa and Faith Mukunditsa are among the top education experts traveling to Rwanda under a government-to-government agreement sealed last year.

They promise to be the beacon of expertise and help position Zimbabwe for more recruitment opportunities with Rwanda.

“I am very excited, I never thought I would make it this far. I want to thank our President for opening this opportunity for us and trusting us to be ambassadors to Rwanda. I am very happy, ” said Musekiwa.

“I promise to showcase the best that we have as Zimbabwe. This indeed is something that we are very grateful for,” said Mukunditsa.

This Saturday, they joined their counterparts for a pre-departure seminar that familiarised them with expectations and working conditions.

The government notes the organised migration initiative is a bold statement of commitment to providing enhanced opportunities beyond the country’s borders.

“This is one of the many opportunities that the second republic will be working on. Currently, we know several countries are willing to work with us. We shall be rolling out programmes of this nature going forward,” said Simon Masanga, the head of the Permanent Secretaries Joint Committee.

Rwanda is also confident that this agreement will strengthen existing ties.

“We hope that the current agreement will be revisited and expanded to allow for more professionals to come and work in Rwanda. The skills exchange is vital for the development of our nations,” said Charles Karakye, the Permanent Secretary for Rwanda’s Ministry of Education.

With the continent moving to implement the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), organised migration becomes a critical component.

“This is a very good step to ensuring that the aspirations of the Afcta are met and this will further help intra- Africa trade,” said Mario Lito Malanca the Chief of Mission, International Organisation for Migration.

During a recent trip by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to Rwanda, the recruitment of Zimbabwean teachers was part of the agenda and in a few days, 224 teachers will be leaving for the East African nation.

AE News