When Rwanda Education Board last week released last year’s advanced level exams, there were two reactions — excitement and tears — depending on how one performed.  

But although Cornerstone Leadership Academy’s Gerald Karuhanga and Ronald Kwizera shed tears, they were due to excessive joy after they both scored 73 points.

"It has not been easy,” says Kwizera Ronald, one of the best science students. "I can’t believe that it is me who has done this! The exams seemed difficult but thanks be to God who has led me to this.’’

Kwizera, who did biology, chemistry and geography, says he wants to join the University of Rwanda Butare for a course in medicine.

Motivation

Kwizera says although many people have inspired him to read hard, none compares to his father.

"Since the death of my mother, my father became both my mother and dad. And he has done it really well. My teachers and fellow students have also been fundamental in my success and I    want to thank them very much,” says the young star.

Karuhanga says the desire to be self reliant and his financially unstable family motivated him to work hard.

"Since Senior One, I have afforded to pay only Rwf30, 000 as school fees. Even getting upkeep at school was not easy. It is by God’s mercy that I have reached this far,” Karuhanga says.

Karuhanga, who studied history, economics and geography, wants to study law at the University of Rwanda, Butare in order "to become the steward of morality in the world and extend justice to the less privileged”.

Marie Josepha of G.S ST Alloys Rwamagana says the desire to become a doctor pushed her to work hard. She also scored 73 aggregates.

"Since my childhood, I have known medicine to be a tough course and therefore had to put in extra effort to pass,’’ Marie says.

She adds that she is so used to reading that she is not scared of anything. She  attributes her success to her family and teachers.