Effect of Community’s Engagement on Teachers’Professional Development in Primary Schools: A Case of Gikomero Sector in Gasabo District, Rwanda

This study, titled “Effect of Community Engagement on Teachers’ Professional Development in Primary Schools: A Case of Gikomero Sector, Gasabo District, Rwanda,” examined how community involvement influences teachers’ growth. The main objective was to assess the effect of parents’ meetings, financial contributions, school leadership, and local organizations on teachers’ professional development. A correlational research design was employed, using interviews and questionnaires administered to teachers from six primary schools in Gikomero sector. The sample size was determined using the Yamane formula, and data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and correlation tests. Findings revealed that parental meetings had a moderate positive effect on professional development (r = .579, p < .001), while financial contributions also showed a moderate correlation (r = .593, p < .001). School leadership demonstrated a stronger relationship (r = .607, p < .001), and local organizations emerged as the most influential factor (r = .958, p < .001), significantly enhancing training opportunities and access to teaching resources. Overall, the study concludes that community engagement has a substantial positive impact on teachers’ professional development, with local organizations playing the most critical role.