Imbuto Foundation and Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) have renewed cooperation by another five-year period to give educational opportunities to outstanding but economically disadvantaged Rwandan students.

The scholarships covers the cost of boarding school, school fees, and any other necessary scholastic materials for each beneficiary student.

Through the partnership, MKUR will commit $205,000 (Rwf208m) towards the Foundation's Edified Generation Scholarship programme, which will fund the education of 100 students pursuing secondary school studies in different public schools.

MKUR will also set aside one day each year to meet with beneficiaries for the purpose of career guidance.

The signing agreement took place in Kigali on March 28.Courtesy.

The signing of the new deal took place at the MKUR campus in Kicukiro District.

"One only renews a partnership with someone with whom they are pleased to work," remarked Geraldine Umutesi, Imbuto Foundation's Deputy Director-General.

"When a seed is well planted, watered, and nurtured as required, it surely blooms,” she said quoting a philosophy she attributed to First Lady Jeannette Kagame, while explaining the reasoning behind the foundation’s name.

"The seed of education we are together sowing in these children will pay off to bring an empowered generation," she added, "thanks to MKUR for taking part in ensuring that even unprivileged students benefit from quality education."

"Believing in me encouraged me to believe in my potential," Noella Claire D'assise Dushakimana, a past scholarship recipient, stated.

She said, "Sponsoring my education made it easier for me, and I can't wait to help those in need as well."

Dushakimana received first-class honors, according to Prof Simon Gicharu, Chairman and Founder of MKUR. "Not only did she do well in class, but she also served as a student dean throughout her academic career," he stated.

Noella Claire D'assise Dushakimana, a past scholarship recipient shares her testimony. Courtesy 

After receiving a scholarship in secondary school, Dushakimana continued her education at MKUR.

"Seeing students like Dushakimana who have been positively impacted delights me. Giving brings a lot of joy," Gicharu stated.

"Joy is not only in giving but also in getting," Umutesi agreed, "as today we go with a commitment from her to benefit others as well from what she was given." That way, we can keep the movement going."

In 2002, the 'Edified Generation' scholarship program was established to provide financial aid to intellectually qualified students from low-income families.

It is the creation of the First Lady's Imbuto Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing health, education, youth empowerment, and economic growth.