The Challenge
Education in Rwanda still faces key challenges:
01.
There are low completion rates with only about 14–15% of Rwandans having completed high school as of 2023 (World Bank, 2023).
02.
Gender disparities gap persists with approximately 16% of Rwandan men versus 13% of women aged 25+ have finished secondary school (UNESCO, 2023).
03.
Unfortunately, only 3% of Rwandans aged from 16-30 years attend tertiary education (National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, 2024)
04.
Even with programs like the 12 Years Basic Education initiative, additional costs—such as a $30 trimester contribution, school supplies, and lunch fees—remain high financial barriers which force many students to drop out .
05.
Misconceptions about the education system create low expectations, further hampering students’ academic performance and future opportunities.
Our Guiding Star
Our mission remains to turn barriers into opportunities by empowering every student in Rwanda, ensuring that despite financial and social challenges, each learner can access the resources needed to access and succeed academically in tertiary education systems and change their world.
— Our Approach
We start with students in Grade 9 to Grade 12, known as the Advanced Level of Secondary School in Rwanda, with a comprehensive and impactful support system:
01.
— Financial Support
- Cover tuition fees for promising students.
- Provide necessary school supplies, including textbooks, uniforms, and technology where applicable.
- Assist with lunch contributions to ensure students can focus on their studies.
02.
— Mentorship and Guidance
- Pair students with mentors who provide career and personal development guidance.
- Conduct regular workshops on goal-setting, leadership, and personal resilience.
- Include training in critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship to prepare students for diverse career paths.
03.
— Career Guidance Program
- Empower students to make informed decisions about their futures by offering career exploration activities, aptitude assessments, and interactive career talks with professionals
- Provide a resource hub with detailed information on various career paths, subject combinations, scholarship opportunities, and training programs.
- Organize career talks and panel discussions with professionals from diverse fields.
04.
— Pathway to Higher Education and Careers
- Assist students in applying to local universities, scholarships, and vocational training programs.
- Develop partnerships with companies to create internship and job placement opportunitiesI
We see education as the root of opportunity and transformation, but also a vital agent in how we change Rwanda. By supporting, mentorning, guiding, and assisting young people, we create a force that can shape the nation’s future for the better.