It was a day to remember for a group of sixteen senior six leavers and their families who were awarded as the most outstanding performers in the just-released senor six national examinations results.
The results, released Thursday, December 15, indicated a general improvement in the performance compared to the previous year. At least 94 percent students passed their papers, according to Minister of State at the Ministry of Education, Gaspard Twagirayezu.
For the most star performers who spoke to The New Times, good upbringing, supportive friends, close monitoring from teachers pushed them to success.
They were awarded by distinguished officials from the Ministry of Education, including Minister of State in charge of ICT and TVET, permanent secretary, as well as Bernard Bahati, the director general of National Examination School Inspection Authority (NESA).
Also present was Nelson Mbarushimana, Director General at Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB).
In a ceremony hosted at the Ministry headquarters, in Kimihurura, all outstanding performers were given a brand new lenovo laptop as a reward for their hard-work.
Alexis Ndahimana, a former student at Ecole Secondaire Krinda who is among the best five performers in General Education said he was blessed beyond belief for the award presented to him.
"My performance was mostly fueled by determination and hardwork in line with managing my time properly,” he added.
Chantal Uwamariya, a student from Teacher Training Center (TTC) Saave expressed gratitude to her teachers, and family whom she said continue to push her in her pursuits.
"I continuously revised my notes and worked hard in all my studies”, says Chantal.
She added, "I thank my parents for the continuous support of providing school fees and my school administration for the guidelines and advice it provided us with which appears to be why I achieved this success”.
Ellie Ntakirutimana , who went to Groupe Officiel de Butare in says that it takes not only hardwork and determination but also smart work, to achieve good academic results.
Elie emerged among the best five performers in General Education and considered specializing in agriculture when as his dream.
"Much of the inspiration was driven from the teachers from my school and my fellow students who continuously told me that I could do it”, he adds.
Emmanuel Nyandwi, from Kageyo TVET school, said that the secret behind his success is that he never allowed anything to distract and discourage him from performing outstandingly
Top five best performers in senior six general education include Alexis Ndahimana, Orlyse Ineza, Nesta Gwiza Ngamije, Caleb Niyoyavuze,and Elie Ntakirutimana.
In TVET, outstanding performers include Arnaud Sebera Hirwa, Reponse Sibomana Ashimwe, Emmanuel Nyandwi, Claude Dukundimana, Charlote Uwimbabazi, and Anselme Habumugisha Irumva.
Meanwhile, TTC best performers include Frank Kimenyi, Donat Uwamahoro, Chantal Uwamaliya, Elie Niyomukiza and Olivier Niyoungeli.