A total of 163 graduates were awarded Bachelor's degrees in Management, Healthcare Management, and Communication studies at Kepler's Kigali campus in Kinyinya on Monday, October 30.

Kepler, a non-profit organisation, collaborates with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) to offer US-accredited Bachelor’s degrees, granting students in Africa access to higher education. This graduation represents the eighth batch of graduates produced through this partnership and included students from both Kepler's Kigali and Kiziba campuses.

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Dr Paul LeBlanc, President of Southern New Hampshire University, lauded the graduates and emphasised their achievements. He expressed his pride in this group, acknowledging their determination, dedication, and resilience. "You have overcome more, achieved at an exceptionally high level, and worked harder than any students I know," he remarked.

"You inspire us, and the world needs what you have. We will be cheering you on in your journey after today."

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Nathalie Munyampenda, CEO of Kepler, echoed Dr LeBlanc&039;s sentiments, assuring the graduates that they are joining a vibrant group of alumni ready to support them in their careers.

"Kepler's commitment to its students doesn't end at graduation. The organisation's staff will continue to provide support as graduates begin their careers in earnest. Kepler aims to ensure that the knowledge and skills these students have acquired remain relevant and beneficial as they step into the workforce,” Munyampenda said.

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Representing the Class of 2023, Aline Itege, a graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management, specialising in Global Perspectives, expressed, "Before commencing our Bachelor's degree, we underwent a foundation programme that significantly improved our digital literacy, proficiency in English, and communication skills. It also provided us with a valuable introduction to the professional world. I firmly believe these skills will be indispensable as we venture into the outside world."

The graduation ceremony also included a welcome into Kepler's Alumni Association, a network that will support and guide the graduates as they embark on their professional journeys.

Gaspard Twagirayezu, Minister of Education, commended the unique qualities that distinguish Kepler graduates in the job market. He noted that these graduates are well-prepared for both the Rwandan and global job markets.

"Kepler's curriculum focuses on real-world problem-solving, cultivating creative students with 21st-century skills that make them highly competitive candidates for employment. Kepler's internship opportunities and engagement with potential employers further enhance graduates' job prospects,” Twagirayezu said.

Of the 163 graduates, 54.3 per cent earned a Bachelor of Arts in Management with a concentration in Logistics and Operations, 34.1 per cent received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Business, and 11.6 per cent achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management with a concentration in Global Perspectives.

Notably, 53.4 per cent of the graduates are women, and 35 per cent have refugee status.

The Class of 2023 boasts a 70.1 per cent employment rate among its graduates, an additional 4.9 per cent have secured internships, while 25 per cent are currently seeking employment.

Since 2013, Kepler has been empowering Africa's underserved youth by offering a unique combination of in-person, online, and experiential learning.

In partnership with Southern New Hampshire University, Kepler has enrolled over 2,500 students across Kigali and the Kiziba refugee camp in Rwanda, awarding bachelor's degrees in communications, management, and healthcare management.

To date, Kepler has positively impacted 7400 youths in Rwanda and Ethiopia, with 957 earning bachelor's degrees, including 237 refugees. Kepler boasts a 94% success rate, with graduates advancing to employment, entrepreneurship, or further studies within six months post-graduation.