Compassion International a faith-based NGO held a graduation ceremony last week for 21 university students who completed a Leadership Development Programme (LDP). The students are the second batch to complete the LDP training joining another 32 who graduated last year. John R. Nkubana, Country Director of Compassion pointed out that this was not the first graduation and will certainly not be the last because other students they sponsor are still studying. "As Rwandans we have got this opportunity and we should use it effectively towards eradicating dependency. We have to focus on the future of our country but not focusing on Compassion’s aid if we are to achieve self reliance,” he said.Oliver Murekatete who completed her university thanks to the support of Compassion told The New Times that she is very grateful and lucky. "I was hopeless after the death of my parents but I thank God and his plans for he knows how he handles his people that later I got this opportunity,” she saidIt’s not rare to find a girl living in such situations and needs to continue studies but since God has helped me to reach this level I hope I can do the same for someone else,” she said.Theresa Nyirambonabucya a parent whose daughter has been sponsored by Compassion said, "I had no job or any other source of income but Compassion came to my rescue. I thank God for protecting my daughter who completed with no problem and I am so proud of her.”The programme identifies promising students and offers them a chance to attend university and receive Christian leadership training to develop their intrinsic leadership skills. Under the LDP, the youth are provided with personal mentors to nurture them into leaders with a Christian worldview.