It was a high moment for some students last week after the Ministry of Education released the Primary Leaving Examination and O-Level results of 2016. Some O-Level students who excelled in the exams talked to The Education Times’ John Mbaraga about what contributed to their success. All the interviewees scored aggregate 8.

Jonan Manzi from Riviera High School

Manzi says he drew a personal revision timetable during preparations for the national examinations. 

"Besides the classroom timetable, I thought that I should have mine so that when I need to learn extra things, I do so at the right time. We had access to the internet at school, and I was able to do more research on every topic, as well as learn new things beyond what our teachers had given us,” he says.

"I was the third best pupil at national level in my primary leaving examinations, so in my daily studies I worked hard so that I could maintain the good record.”

Manzi credits his parents, fellow schoolmates and teachers who never got tired of direct and support him.

"I advise my fellow students not to get tired of studying and to always maintain good discipline,” he says.

Benoit Mazimpaka from Ecole des Sciences de Musanze

Mazimpaka says that he was surprised to hear that he was among the best performers in the country yet he felt the exams had been quite difficult.

"I’m very pleased with having a first grade. Throughout the preparation period I tried to manage my time well. I thank my parents, school staff and my colleagues for their role in my success,” he says.

He says being disciplined was the most important contributor to his success. 

Mazimpaka hopes to study physics, chemistry and biology so he is able to study medicine after high school.

Aime Cesaire Mugishawayo from Ecole des Science de Byimana

Mugishawayo says that he was excited when his dad came home at midday last Monday and told him that he is the second best performer in the country.

"I am happy that my efforts were not futile. After joining secondary school, I started preparing for the final exams. I did my best to understand all the topics we had been taught. I also used to consult my fellow students and revise in groups,” he says.

Mugishawayo says planning for revision, especially in weekends, contributed a lot towards his performance.

"I can tell my fellow students that knowledge is not limited to good performance; rather it should be complemented with discipline before your parents, teachers or any other people who relate with you,” he says.

Mugishawayo plans to do sciences so he can able to pursue engineering.

Peace Sheja Kabarega from Saint Paul International School

"I tried my best to study hard but I didn’t expect to be among best performers in the country,” Kabarega says.

Kabarega says that during his preparation for the exams he tried to read as many books as possible and made summaries for all the topics they had covered.

He hopes to study physics, chemistry and biology (PCB) to become a doctor in future.

"My intention is in choosing this domain is because I want to discover something new in the sciences such as a vaccine and new medicine. I feel touched seeing how diseases continue to cause suffering across the world. As a doctor, I feel will think big and work hard so I make a significant contribution in this field,” he says.