BUGESERA- The First Lady, Jeanette Kagame, yesterday, officially, opened Gashora Girls’ Academy, in Bugesera District, Eastern Province.

The institution was founded by Rwanda Girls Initiative which is headed by two American friends, Suzanne Sinegal McGill and Shalisan Foster.

It is an upper-secondary boarding school specializing in science and technology.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the First Lady commended the initiative for the noble cause.

”I am delighted to be here with you in celebration of a beautiful dream come true,” she said, adding that Rwanda Girls Initiative’s contribution to quality education represents a significant step in the journey towards paving the way for a brighter future for Rwandan girls.

"As a nation, we are accustomed to setting ambitious goals. Our modest accomplishments thus far have been made possible through a combination of committed partnerships, innovation, creativity, and the best from our culture.”

Mrs. Kagame urged the residents of Gashora to use the school as a stepping stone to sustainable development in the area.

She advised the residents to protect the infrastructure donated by the foundation.

"All the hard work and careful attention that was dedicated towards the construction of this school was for one purpose, and that is you. It is because we believe in you, and as parents; we know that if you have exceptional teachers, strong values, and a supportive community, you will excel in your personal and professional lives.”

She urged them to be innovative.

"This is certainly achievable. However, it requires focus, persistence, discipline and creativity. There is a saying that goes ‘Necessity is the Mother of Invention,’ but I wish you young ladies to be the true mothers of invention.”

The Governor of the Eastern Province, Dr. Aisha Kirabo Kacyira, commended the founders of the school for facilitating the country’s development by educating girls.

Kacyira pledged support to the school, saying it is a worthy cause. 

"All the efforts that have been put into this project should be supported by good parenting,” the governor told the parents.

The A’ level school currently has 85 students in senior four. It plans to enrol up to 270 students in the next two years.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Sharon Haba, said that the school has come in to help realise the national policy of girls’ education.

She explained that the government has put in place various programmes to help the girls in schools.

Haba mentioned the provision of sanitary towels in schools as one of the programmes which aim at reducing absenteeism.

In an interview with The New Times, McGill said that the current investment into the school stands at $3.5 million.

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