By Jean de Dieu NDAYISABA.
The celebration of Eid al-Fitr at GS Bugarama Cité, a school affiliated with the Rwanda Muslim community in Bugarama sector Rusizi district, was this year combined with a heartfelt ceremony honoring three staff members who have retired after years of dedicated service.
The school administration organized the joint event to both commemorate the end of Ramadan and pay tribute to outgoing employees among them long serving teachers whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the institution.
Constance Mukankiko, who has served as the school’s bursar for the past ten years, expressed deep gratitude for the inclusive and supportive environment she experienced throughout her tenure, despite not being a member of the Muslim faith.
“I am truly grateful for how warmly I was welcomed and treated here,” she said. “In many faith-based institutions, such roles often come with strict considerations regarding religious affiliation. However, the district Imam endorsed my appointment without prejudice. In the ten years i have worked here, I have never faced any form of discrimination because of my beliefs. I sincerely thank the Muslim community for their openness and trust.”
Ephrem Munyampundu, who has spent two decades at the school and most recently teaching Primary Six, also praised the administration for organizing a dignified send-off. While transitioning into retirement, he emphasized his continued commitment to education.
“I joined this school in 2006, and being honored in such a remarkable way is truly special,” he noted. “I am deeply thankful to the school leadership for the strong collaboration we’ve had over the years. Even in retirement, I intend to remain engaged by offering my support whenever possible, driven by my passion for this institution.”
The head teacher of GS Bugarama Cité, Hamimu Mbarushimana, stated that the ceremony reflects the school’s appreciation for the invaluable service rendered by its retiring staff.
“Today was dedicated to expressing our gratitude and demonstrating that we deeply value their contributions,” he said. “Retirement comes after years of shaping countless students and making a significant contribution to nation-building through education.”
During the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, the school also recognized teachers whose students excelled in the most recent national examinations. The awards were intended to motivate them to maintain high academic performance and continue striving for excellence.
