SOUTHERN PROVINCE

MUHANGA—One hundred residents in Kamonyi and Muhanga districts will now be able to read, write and count after attaining adult-education certificates.

The group graduated and received certificates of merit on Friday November 9 in a colorful ceremony attended by various local and church leaders at the Rwanda Pentecost Church (EPR) premises in Muhanga.

Télésphore Bizimungu, 53, a resident of Nyarubaka sector in Kamonyi district emerged as the best and oldest student with 98 per cent. Bizimungu also demonstrated the lessons learnt sending the crowd in amusement.

"I wasn’t able to go to school as a child, but this is a turning point in my life and I feel like a winner. I will now be able to do business, work hard and contribute to the welfare of my community,” Bizimungu said.

The one-year programme was sponsored by the African Evangelistic Enterprise (AEE) and over 360 residents have acquired similar education opportunities since 2004, said Remy Kalisa Munyanyindi an AEE official.

Munyanyindi added that the program is continuous and aimed at eradicating illiteracy among all Rwandans and conveying the message of salvation through developmental activities.

Claude Sebashi, Muhanga director of education, commended the organisation for promoting district education programs and revealed that over 3500 residents had undergone the program in Muhanga alone.

"The objective is to have all residents equipped with basic skills of reading and writing and it’s important that the program is disseminated to other residents,” Sebashi urged.
The graduating students also attained skills in project and association management, values of unity and reconciliation and biblical teachings. The teachers also walked away with hoes and cash prizes for meeting their obligations.

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