The eighth holiday camp for beneficiaries of Imbuto Foundation’s ‘Edified Generation’ scholarship programme opened yesterday in Huye District. This year, 458 students are participating in the camp at Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare.The students make up part of those that were enrolled in the programme last year, and those that are in their last year of secondary education.The three-day annual holiday camp is implemented under the Youth Empowerment and Mentorship Programme, launched by Imbuto Foundation in 2007.

Speaking at the opening ceremony yesterday, the Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education, Isaac Munyakazi, challenged the students to reach out to their peers and share with them their experience. "You very well know that a good seed yields many fruits; therefore be courageous and strive for the development of your own country. Let us make good use of the favourable atmosphere around us while creating jobs for ourselves,” he said.The Acting Director General of Imbuto Foundation, Sandrine Umutoni said last year Imbuto Foundation supported more than 800 students from more than 100 schools."These holiday camps strengthen students and help them to create an association known as ‘Edified Generation,” she said.Lt. Joseph Abakundain of the Rwanda Air Force urged the students on good characters.

"Talent will get you where you need to be, but character will keep you there. Apart from discipline, two more things build your character: the books you read and the company you keep.”He also mentioned that having discipline, a clear life plan, and avoiding unrealistic plans can help one to achieve success.The holiday camp aims at empowering the scholarship recipients, by imparting life skills and positive values and attitudes, to make them grow into well-rounded citizens, able to contribute to the development of the nation. It also equips participants with the needed package, to become active agents of change among their peers.During this year’s holiday camp, students will actively engage with speakers and facilitators on several topics. Topics will include developing a culture of discipline, Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (ASRH&R), human trafficking, Gender Based Violence, drugs and alcohol abuse, and financial acumen.Presentations featured speakers from the National Police, and Rwanda National Investment Trust.Today, the students will participate in community work (Umuganda) in Butare city.

The ‘Edified Generation’ programme was initiated in 2003 with an objective to financially support students from economically vulnerable backgrounds in their pursuit of education.

Beneficiaries of this programme receive assistance of up to $300 per year, to help pay for their living costs, health insurance and their school supplies. Each year, through an annual holiday camp, the scholars are equipped with entrepreneurship, public speaking and leadership skills, among many topics.Since its launch, more than 6,000 boys and girls secondary-school students have been awarded scholarships. 

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