GAKENKE - At least 52 female students who excelled in last year’s national examinations from the four districts of the Northern Province, were on Sunday rewarded in recognition for their academic excellence.

The prizes, which included scholastic materials and laptops, were donated by Imbuto Foundation under the patronage of First Lady Jeannette Kagame. The function was held in Nemba Sector, Gakenke District.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Vincent Karega, who represented the First Lady, urged female students in the country to have self confidence, saying that this will catapult them to success. 

Eight foster parents, referred to as "guardian angels”, from each of the districts, were each rewarded with a cow and a certificate for their parental role.

Three girls who are set to join university were awarded laptops and were each promised sponsorship for a three-week computer training. Several other students in Ordinary and Advanced secondary levels, walked away with Rwf20, 000, textbooks, school bags, mathematical sets, calculators and exercise books.

The minister challenged parents to take good care of their children, especially by protecting them against such vices as sexual violence and other forms of abuse.

Provincial Governor, Aime Bosenibamwe, commended the First Lady for promoting the female education and championing the cause of getting orphans and helpless children off the streets.

Bosenibamwe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promote education and advised girls to take advantage of the many opportunities at their disposal.

He also cautioned the students against falling prey to the whims of ‘sugar-daddies’ who lure them into sexual relationships, appealing to the students to instead focus on their studies.

Ends