Education International regrets to announce the passing of Faustin Kanamugire, General Secretary of the former "Equipes Enseignantes du Rwanda" (EER), now known as the "Syndicat des Personnels de l'Enseignement du Rwanda" (SYPERWA).
Faustin died after an illness on Tuesday 30 September in Kigali. His funeral will take place on Sunday 5 October 2008, World Teachers Day.
All those who knew Faustin will remember him as a reserved man who rarely raised his voice and was very respectful of others. He was unerringly resolute in his fight for the cause of teachers. He was dedicated to promoting the Education for All goals, and to the fight against HIV and AIDS through the EFAIDS programme. Faustin was very honest, devoted, and well-liked, and always sought consensus in the face of problems. It was just a few weeks ago that Faustin was re-elected General Secretary of the former EER. He also served as a member of the EI African Regional Committee.
The death of Faustin is the second tragedy to hit his union in the space of four months. President Nazaire Sébiraza passed away just before him. It is also a terrible blow to the African teachers’ trade union movement, which has lost an experienced and passionate unionist.
Messages of condolence can be sent to SYPERWA and to Faustin's family, his wife and children in particular, by writing to: syperwa@yahoo.fr