A total of 101 graduates received degrees in business studies at Kepler- Kigali Campus in Kinyinya on August 19.

Kepler is a non-profit higher education program working in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University to provide students in Africa with access to US accredited Bachelor’s degrees.

This is the seventh graduation since the partnership. It gathered students from both Kigali and Kiziba campuses of Kepler.

Speaking at the ceremony, Baylie Damtie Yeshita, the Vice Chancellor at Kepler said that the graduation was a joyful moment to celebrate the fruit of hard work, resilience and innovation.

Kepler has been fortunate to offer foundational and labour market relevant modules and career services, which are designed to equip learners with the competency needed to capture opportunities and overcome challenges successfully, Yeshita said.

"You have demonstrated in various circumstances the mastery of these competencies. Now it’s time for the students to unleash their potential and talents to the fullest and navigate the world of work successfully.

"Life is full of learning and unlearning and thus always becoming, never being, and this is what makes life so interesting and full of excitement,” he said.

The Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, said to the graduates that, "today you leave with a lot of advice that is going to help your journey going forward. We are not defined by circumstances but how we choose to respond to them, I commend your resilience.”

She added that, "this new journey opens chapters for new opportunities, the skills alone aren't enough but your attitude too matters.”

Nathalie Munyampenda, the Chief Executive Officer of Kepler, said that Kepler, through the Southern New Hampshire University, offers students a competency-based bachelor's degree that focuses on developing both technical skills in logistics or healthcare as well core foundational skills such as digital, communication and soft skills.

Munyampenda said that the project-based learning, by use of case studies, is a new way of learning that focuses on giving students real world experience and emphasises practice not just theory.

"We are happy to have over 760 graduates through this partnership and are excited to see how our graduates will immediately impact the job market, but also their long-term impact in Rwanda and beyond,” she said.

She added that the world of work is changing and what employers are looking for is both technical and soft skills, and the ability to be lifelong learners and adapt to new work environments and industries.

"We believe we have equipped our graduates along this line,” she said.

All students at Kepler go through a foundation program before beginning their bachelor's degree that builds advanced digital literacy, English and communication skills and introduction to the world of work.

This happens at the very beginning and sets students up for success. Kepler also prepares students for work directly by helping them understand and prepare for job market expectations.

Munyampenda added that career services offered are world class and they support all students to get internships and jobs, "90 per cent of our students are employed within six months of graduation. It isn't by mistake; we prepare students from the moment they walk through our doors.

"This also continues to support alumni with access to job opportunities and professional development.”

Floribert Mwambutsa, husband to one of the graduates, said that it wasn’t easy for his wife to study and be a mother at the same time, but Kepler facilitated her in the journey and they are celebrating this achievement as a family.