Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, the Archbishop of Kigali, has called for the promotion of talent in schools, stressing its vital role in nurturing young minds. Kambanda said this during the 50th-anniversary celebration of Lycée de Kigali, one of the leading public secondary schools in the country.
Lycée de Kigali marked its golden jubilee on Saturday, June 8, coinciding with the conclusion of Catholic Education Week and the feast of Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers. The ceremony drew current and former students, parents, government officials, and Catholic Church leaders, including Cardinal Kambanda.
Lycée de Kigali, a co-educational high school renowned for attracting top-performing students from primary schools nationwide, was founded by the French government in 1974. Since mid-2022, it has been under the management of the Marist Brothers of the Catholic Church.
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In his speech, Cardinal Kambanda thanked the Marist Brothers for their dedication to Lycée de Kigali and stressed the importance of recognising and nurturing students&039; talents.
"I've realized that no student is incapable; it's often because teachers or parents aren't aware of their strengths. A child may have a gift for drawing, pottery, languages, or science,” Kambanda said.
He urged teachers to support students once their talents are identified, as this significantly influences their future.
"I encourage teachers to guide students after discovering their talents. These children are tomorrow's doctors, judges, leaders, dancers, and singers,” Kambanda added.
The headmaster of Lycée de Kigali, Brother Jean Mfurayase, expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the golden jubilee celebration and those who contributed to LDK's achievements over the past 50 years. He emphasised the need for students to reside on school grounds to achieve future milestones, with the community's support.
"LDK's status as one of Rwanda's leading public schools is due to the resilience and determination of all who contributed. Your efforts are greatly appreciated,” Mfurayase said.
Minister of Education Gaspard Twagirayezu highlighted LDK's role in shaping top students who significantly contribute to society. He praised the milestones LDK has achieved and encouraged alumni to reflect positively on their educational experiences.
"I urge others who studied in different schools to remember the importance of their educational background. The education you received here has played a crucial role in your progress,” Twagirayezu reiterated.
He also acknowledged the Catholic Church's ongoing contributions to education and thanked parents for their role in making education accessible.