About SYPERWA

SYPERWA

 Syndicat du Personnel de l’Éducation au Rwanda

Introduction

SYPERWA is a professional trade union representing teachers and education personnel in Rwanda, affiliated to the TU Confederation named (COTRAF-RWANDA) and International of Education (IE). Its mission is to advocate for the rights, welfare, and professional development of its members, while promoting quality education rooted in Rwandan values. SYPERWA, Gazetted, started its activities legally and officially by 2009 following the constitution in Rwanda and laws stipulated in its Statute.

Vision

To become a well-functioning union that prioritizes the rights of teachers, their socio-economic welfare, and the delivery of value-based education in Rwanda.

Mission

To enhance the quality of education and elevate the teaching profession, thereby improving the overall well-being of teachers and education workers.

Strategic Goals

• Promote advocacy with ethical and professional conduct among teachers.
• Foster an inclusive union that empowers women and youth to participate in leadership.
• Train teachers in the use of technology, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Recruit new members into SYPERWA.

Planned Objectives for 2026

1. Train and mobilize 500 new teachers to join SYPERWA through collaboration with 20 schools.
2. Conduct leadership training for school administrators on professional conduct during the first quarter of 2026.
3. Perform a gender audit to identify barriers affecting women in union leadership.
4. Assess the welfare of substitute teachers covering maternity leave.
5. Evaluate the integration of AI in teaching practices.
6. Deliver 20 training sessions on the use of AI in education.
7. Launch “Work Passion and Excellence” clubs in 20 schools.
8. Plant 2,000 trees across 20 schools to improve the working environment.
9. Provide clean drinking water in 20 schools using smart water systems.
10. Train teachers on the impact of climate change and just transition on Rwanda’s education system.
11. Strengthen collaboration, monitoring, and evaluation of Decent Work Clubs in schools.

Short-Term Action Plan 2025-2028

• Implement Training of Trainers (ToTs) programs.
• Utilize expert trainers and specialized training materials.
• Engage gender and legal experts for capacity building.
• Conduct assessments on the benefits of AI in Rwandan schools.
• Organize AI-focused training sessions for Teachers.
• Establish Trade Union Clubs in schools.
• Plant 2,000 trees in member schools.
• Provide clean and safe drinking water in member institutions.
• Submit financial reports and audit documentation.

Key Achievements (Past 3 Years)

Membership Expansion

• 150 teachers joined SYPERWA in the first quarter of 2023 through partnerships with 25 schools.
• Strengthened advocacy and solidarity among educators.

Leadership Development

• 25 school leaders trained on professional conduct, workplace safety, labour laws, and teacher-specific regulations.
• Training emphasized value-based leadership, gender equity, and participatory governance.

Technology Integration

• Three training sessions conducted on the use of digital platforms in teaching.
• Teachers trained to use Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp, and other tools.

Gender Audit

• A gender audit was conducted within union leadership structures.
• Identified barriers to women’s leadership and informed corrective strategies.

Policy Reform

• The union’s constitution was revised to reflect youth inclusion and current realities.
• Increased participation of young teachers in union governance.

Advocacy and Government Collaboration

• Continued partnerships with government entities and stakeholders to improve teachers’ rights, salaries, insurance, and welfare.

Regional Expansion

• SYPERWA expanded to 8 districts, appointing teacher representatives at district and sector levels.
• Provided water tanks and clean water to schools.

Partnerships and Collaborations

• International Entities: IE, European Union, FES, MEMUR-SEN (Turkey), ITC Africa
• Government and Local Partners: MIFOTRA, PSF, MINAGRI, RTUADF, CESTRAR, COSYLI, INSP! R Zamuka

Contact Information

• Headquarters: Gisozi, Kigali City, Gasabo District
• Phone Contacts:
  
  • President: (+250) 788489581
  • First Vice President: (+250) 78827886
  • Second Vice President: M. Joseph (+250) 788491200
  • Secretary General: (+250) 788491713
• Email: syperwatradeunion@gmail.com
• Website: www.cotrafrwanda.org
• Social Media:
  
  • YouTube: @TradeunionSYPERWA
  • Facebook: SYPERWA Tradeunion
  • Instagram: @cotrafrwanda
  • X (Twitter): @SYPERWA196081
• Postal Address: P.O. BOX 2019 Kigali, Rwanda.