Six children from Cyobe Primary School in Mbuye Sector, Ruhango District, who braved heavy rain and a windstorm to protect the Rwanda flag on October 2, have been awarded full educational support once they reach secondary school.
The support, pledged by the Heads of School Organization (HOSO Rwanda), was announced on the evening of Tuesday, October 9. By offering full educational support to the pupils, the organization said their brave act will be forever recognised.
VIDEO: How schoolchildren saved Rwanda national flag amid heavy downpour
Despite the harsh weather, nine pupils, aged between 10 and 13 and in their fourth year of primary school, saw the national flag at risk of being blown away and six of them rushed out of their shelter to protect it.
The six of them who braved the rain and the windstorm which ripped off the school roof sheets will get full support including school fees.
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Sister Hellen Nayituriki, the founder of HOSO Rwanda, expressed how touched she was by the children’s actions.
"Seeing a primary school student trying to prevent the national flag from falling, knowing it would mean the country falling down, brought me to tears. But it also made me realize that these children represent the hope of our nation, and that’s exactly the kind of youth we aim to nurture,” Nayituriki said.
As the pupils still have about three years before their go to secondary school, the teachers’ organisation chose to provide the nine pupils with scholastic materials that will help in the current primary school studies.
"We’ve provided them with school supplies, and hygiene items, and six of pupils will receive full educational support until they complete secondary school,” said Seth Bayiringire, the vice president of HOSO Rwanda.
Aaron Mugirwanake, the school headteacher, acknowledged the organisation’s support to the students and the school.
"The organization has pledged to provide full educational support until the students complete their secondary school studies. In addition, they will support the school’s feeding programme for the entire term,” Mugirwanake told The New Times.
"This means a lot to the learners, as they now understand the importance of civic engagement, starting with protecting the school’s property. It has motivated them to participate in activities, big or small, related to the country’s protection, and other schools will follow our example,” he added.
Mugirwanake also said the school would organize weekly educational activities to increase learners’ understanding of civic and cultural initiatives.