Last Friday evening was one of joyful laughter and celebration for parents as they witnessed 17 of their little ones complete three years of free nursery education at Little Flowers, a charity nursery school in Kigali.

The event, held at the school’s premises in Muhima, brought together parents, local leaders and teachers, among others, to celebrate this achievement for the children who mainly come from poor families that can hardly afford the fees for the education.

The charity school, established in 2013 by Milcah and James Aziz, an Indian couple, has been offering bilingual nursery education in French and English, as well as providing scholastic materials and meals to about 100 needy children.

Milcah Aziz, the headmistress and cofounder of the school, said their goal is to give a good foundation to the children. She urged the parents to make efforts to take the children to the primary level and to be exemplary.

"The reason for this nursery is to give a proper foundation to the children. Don’t forget to teach children good things continually. Behave well before your children. Don’t smoke or drink before them,” she said.

The evening featured performances in a number of activities, including poetry, music and dance as the children entertained parents and other guests who turned up for the event. 

Parents also had an opportunity to share their thoughts about the school as well as the services it renders to them. 

Sifa Niyonsenga, a parent with one child in the school, expressed gratitude for the knowledge imparted on her child in the three years.

"He has become a bright boy. He knows how to pray and can speak both French and English. And he is not shy at all,” she said.

Basilice Mukangabo, another parent, appreciated the skills her child had attained in music and dance, among other disciplines.

James Aziz, the co-founder of the school, said there are plans to open up another charity school upcountry, and stressed the importance of education to children.

"Everywhere you go, education distinguishes you among the people. So we are reaching out to people through education,” he said.