At least 50 high school students from Rwanda and other African countries are taking part in a six-day mentorship programme by Yale University at Riviera High School in Kabuga, Kigali.

The programme aims at empowering students with tools for global educational opportunities.

Helinna Ayalew, the project manager for the Young African Scholars Programme at Yale University, said through such trainings, talented students get more learning opportunities.

"Students from different African countries are learning from instructors who have expertise in areas such as urbanisation, energy, health and diplomacy, among others,” Ayalew said.

Over 20 Rwandan students are attending the programme, where they are also receiving mentorship in leadership skills.

Ayalew noted that students with leadership skills stand more chances of promoting global partnerships in the future.

"Some of the students who participated last year are already doing well with the skills they obtained. We expect more Rwandans to be a part of this to foster good leadership qualities,” she added.

Eddie Mandhry, the director for Africa at Yale University office of international affairs, said the growing demand for brain repatriation on the continent calls for better education to promote development.

"The tide is changing and only good colleges are better positioned to train students before they return to the African continent to shape their communities,” Mandhry said.

Eno Inyangete, a student at Yale University and an instructor under the programme, said that the workshops are an "eye-opener”.

"These students are already bright, but through subjects such as foreign aid, language policy and photography, they are empowered to think outside the box,” Inyangagete said.

Carene Umubyeyi, from Kigali International Community School, said she hopes to learn modern skills of essay writing.

"We are taught how to approach essays and university entry exams, among others,” Umubyeyi said.

Yohan Muha, from Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa, Kenya, said his focus is on conflict resolution on the African continent.

"Conflicts have hindered Africa’s development for a long time. So, this is the time to learn and implement recovery strategies,” Muha said.

The programme is designed to challenge top performing secondary school students with university-level material to widen their scope of world perception.

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