One hundred ninety-one young female students have graduated from secondary schools under the support of Forum for African Women Educationists (FAWE) Rwanda in partnership with MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme.

The graduates were last week told to use the skills and knowledge they attained to be the change-makers in their communities.

"You have been empowered to explore greater horizons and you have proved beyond doubt that you’re capable. We thus want you to go and benefit your communities,” Dr Marie Gasinzigwa, the director-general of science, technology and research at the Ministry of Education, told the students.

Gasinzigwa challenged the scholars to aspire to be the next generation of leaders and encouraged them to leverage education to be the champions in their communities, and also contribute to building the country’s economy.

Judith Katabarwa, the chairperson of FAWE Rwanda, said the scholars will be supported to join tertiary education and technical and vocational institutes.

"This is the first cohort of the scholars programme. We are happy we have supported them to realise their academic goals. It’s not only supporting them academically, but it’s also about helping them learn life skills and good values that they use in society. We will continue assisting them throughout higher learning institutions,” she said.

"These students should benefit from several quality skills and networking opportunities such as trainings, mentorship and career guidance. We want to shape their future,” she added.

The students graduated under a 10-year programme which started in 2014 to support academically bright yet economically disadvantaged girls to access quality education.

Students speak out

Assoumpta Nyirabagenzi, 17, is a graduate from Ecole des Sciences Byimana, a Catholic boarding school in Southern Province. She said she wants to use the education to transform the health sector.

"I’m extremely excited for this milestone, but beyond that for having had the opportunity to go to school when I needed it. Having completed Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology (MCB), I feel confident that I will be able to make my contribution to the health sector. I want to be a best cardiologist,” she said.

Sandrine Irankunda, who completed at Nyagatare Secondary School, said she sheds tears for disadvantaged girls and that she wants to become a medical doctor.

"FAWE supported us is wishing when our parents couldn’t do it. There are many girls across the world to go to school but they can’t get that opportunity and they continue suffering. I want to use the education to change this,” she said.

About STEM and TVET

While 1,200 female students are currently benefiting from the scholars programme, Katabarwa said the majority are pursuing science majors and Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

"This is not because we feel female students in other majors are economically empowered, but we want to align our programme with the government priorities and aspirations. But beyond this, we want to promote Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among girls. There’s a gap,” she explained.

Already, FAWE and MasterCard Foundation have set out different strategies to help successful transition of the graduated students to higher learning institutions.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw