RUSIZI – The state Minister in charge of Water and Energy, Coletha Ruhamya has advised female students in the country to develop self confidence if they are to attain their goals.

She made the remarks over the weekend at a ceremony where the Imbuto Foundation awarded 23 female students who excelled in last year’s ‘O’ Level and Primary Leaving Examinations from various schools in Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts.

Nyamasheke district had 22 of the awarded students while Rusizi had only one. 

The prizes included text books, a school bag, a mathematical set, Rwf20,000 cash prize and a certificate of merit.

"Educating a girl child is educating the nation. Statistics show that mothers spend more time with children. It is therefore important that future mothers get educated,” said Ruhamya.

Ruhamya, who represented the First Lady, Jeanette Kagame at the function, urged the students to work hard in order to achieve success.

She reaffirmed the government’s resolve to uplift the standard of education in primary schools which she said is  the foundation of higher education.

At the same function, four guardian angles also known as Maraika Murinzi - from the two districts -were rewarded one cow each- for their role in taking care of orphaned children.

"We are thankful to our government for such forms of support and recognition. We wouldn’t have taken responsibility for these orphans without their help,” said one elderly woman who is a recipient of the awards.

The Nyamasheke Mayor, Jean Baptist Habyarimana, expressed concern that the rate of school drop out is higher among girls compared to boys in the district.

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