The celebration brought together stakeholders from across the education sector to reflect on a decade of achievements in delivering quality, Christ-centered education while nurturing young people to become responsible leaders guided by strong academic and moral values.

The day-long event featured worship sessions, prayers, cultural performances, Bible presentations, student testimonies, and speeches by staff, leaders and alumni, highlighting the impact ACE  has made on learners and communities over the past ten years.

As Guest of Honour, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Charles Karakye congratulated New Life Schools, which use the ACE programme, on reaching the milestone and commended the institution for its contribution to Rwanda's education sector.

He praised the organization's commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering the holistic development of learners, noting that academic success should go hand in hand with character formation and leadership development.

"Quality education is not only about academic achievement; it is about raising responsible citizens with the values, skills, and character needed to contribute positively to society," Karakye said.

He further emphasized the importance of partnerships between government institutions, schools, parents, and development partners in ensuring that every child receives an education that prepares them for the future.

Karakye acknowledged ACE Rwanda's role in supporting national education goals and encouraged educators to continue placing learners at the center of the teaching process while equipping them with the knowledge and values needed to thrive in an increasingly dynamic world.

Speaking during the celebration, the Executive Director of Africa New Life Ministries  Rev. Fred Isaac Katagwa reflected on the institution's journey and the vision that inspired its establishment a decade ago.

"Today, we raise our voice to declare, just like Prophet Samuel declared, 'This far the Lord has brought us,'" Katagwa said.

He recounted how the initiative began with a small group of parents and church leaders seeking an education model that would combine academic excellence with Christian values and leadership development for their children.

 Reflecting on the mission behind the initiative, he said, "Ten years ago, this journey began with a simple but profound conviction, a conviction that every child deserves an education. Every child should dream of where they want to go."

Throughout the celebration, students showcased their talents through traditional dances, music performances, Bible speaking presentations, alumni and personal testimonies that demonstrated the positive impact the ACE model has had on their academic, personal, and spiritual growth.

Beyond academic achievement, the ACE model has continued to open global opportunities for its learners. Through the successful equivalency of qualifications with the National Examinations and School Inspection Authority (NESA),  ACE graduates from New Life Leadership Academy have gone on to pursue higher education and professional opportunities in Rwanda and internationally, including in Germany, the United States, Canada, Uganda, and the United Arab Emirates. 

These success stories reflect the strength of an education model that equips learners with both academic excellence and the character needed to thrive in diverse environments.

Leaders from Africa New Life Ministries and ACE emphasized that education extends beyond classroom instruction and should prepare learners to become servant leaders capable of making meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation.

The accrediting body representative, Ms. Joyce Owor, Regional Manager for the Accelerated Education Enterprise (AEE), congratulated Africa New Life on its outstanding leadership in implementing the ACE curriculum in Rwanda.

She highlighted the remarkable growth of ACE schools across the region, including Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, and now Rwanda and noted the program's success in producing well-rounded, focused, and high-integrity graduates.

Representatives from schools implementing the ACE curriculum across Rwanda attended the anniversary celebration, reflecting the program's growing influence and its commitment to holistic education. 

While maintaining its Christian foundation and internationally recognized learning approach, ACE works to contextualize its curriculum to the Rwandan environment.

This includes integrating Rwanda's history, values, and national identity into the learning experience, helping students develop a deeper understanding of their country's journey while nurturing responsible citizenship, cultural appreciation, and leadership grounded in both faith and national values.

As the schools enter their second decade, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding access to quality Christ-centered education and equipping future generations with the knowledge, values, and leadership skills needed to succeed.

For many attendees, the anniversary served as both a celebration of past achievements and a renewed commitment to the future. The occasion concluded with optimism that the ACE curriculum will continue transforming lives and shaping leaders who will positively impact Rwanda and beyond.