The students shared their testimonies during an event organized to celebrate their graduation from various institutions on September 27, 2024. This is the fourth such event for scholars hosted by FAWE in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

The graduates include 272 young women from low-income families, sponsored from their fourth year of secondary school through their university studies in various fields.

The group comprises 125 former students from the University of Rwanda (UR) and 147 from INES Ruhengeri, all of whom received their degrees at the end of 2023.

Mpinganzima Lydivine, who studied medicine at INES Ruhengeri, said FAWE Rwanda acted as a bridge to achieving her dreams.

She stated, “It was difficult to find the means to study. FAWE was like a parent to us from secondary school and turned our dreams into reality. As someone from a rural area, I never thought it would be possible.”

“We will use what we’ve learned to uplift the broader community and help others in rural areas build the confidence to succeed in completing their education.”

Shimwa Uwase Sylvie, who studied computer science at the University of Rwanda, shared that the support FAWE Rwanda provided helped her secure a job in her field.

She said, “After completing my studies, I secured a job in my field, and now I train youth in entrepreneurship, specifically in software development.”

“I’m delighted that FAWE helped me pursue studies in technology because it was my dream to be one of the women contributing to the technology sector, which our country prioritizes.”

Mutoro Antonia, the FAWE Rwanda representative, encouraged the graduates to work hard and continue developing themselves while also giving back to the community, noting that 75% of them have already secured jobs.

She said, “We expect them to become women leaders who believe in their ability to help other girls advance. We also have programs that help them gain confidence in public speaking and becoming role models.”

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Irere Claudette, highlighted FAWE Rwanda’s role in promoting girls’ education.

She said, “The first FAWE school in Rwanda, founded in 1999, began by teaching girls and encouraging them to believe in their ability to study science, which they often feared, and to speak up when facing challenges. Since then, many have passed through FAWE’s programs, and both the school and FAWE’s initiatives have grown.”

Irere also addressed parents who still abandon their daughters when they become pregnant, telling them that “having a child does not mean life is over. She gives birth, but she should continue her education. If you don’t support her, she won’t be able to help her child in the future.”

FAWE began operating in Rwanda in 1997 and started sponsoring students in 2013 in partnership with Mastercard Foundation.

Since then, 12,000 girls have received school sponsorship, including over 800 who have gone on to university. The organization plans to begin sponsoring boys from disadvantaged families starting next year.

Top achievers were specially recognized.

The graduates include 272 young women from low-income families, sponsored from their fourth year of secondary school through their university studies in various fields.

The graduates showcased various talents they possess.

Dr. Kayihura Muganga Didas, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, was among those who attended the event.

FAWE also awarded them certificates.

Shimwa Uwase Sylvie, who studied computer science at the University of Rwanda, said that the support from FAWE Rwanda helped her secure a job.

Mpinganzima Lydivine, who studied medicine at INES Ruhengeri, stated that FAWE Rwanda served as a bridge to achieving her dreams.

The leadership of Mastercard Foundation announced that they are proud to support education.

The FAWE representative in Africa delivered a speech to the attendees of the event.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Irere Claudette, lauded FAWE Rwanda's role in promoting girls' education.

One of the parents expressed gratitude for how FAWE Rwanda helped their child succeed.

Mutoro Antonia, the representative of FAWE Rwanda, urged the graduates to work hard and advance in their endeavors.