Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), has commissioned a fundraising drive to construct an accommodation facility for female students at its Kigali campus.

The project which is expected to cost Rwf 639, 360,000 is aimed at addressing the acute shortage of accommodation facilities at the institution, especially for female students.

Currently, KIST has a total of 3,000 students and among these, 708 are females, most of whom are accommodated outside the campus.

In an interview with The New Times, the Rector of KIST, Dr. Jean d’ Arc Mujawamariya, said that they came up with the project to ensure the security of the female students.

"There have been consequences associated with the girls residing outside the main campus, like lack of enough security,” said Mujawamariya, adding that the project is also in line with the promotion of the girl child education.

"When you want to prepare a better future for the country, you invest in girls because they are the mothers of our society and KIST is trying to do just that, since the accommodation will help their performance in class as well,” she said.

In support for the construction of the hostels, the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) donated Rwf 3 million to the school yesterday.

According to the Director General, Angelique Kantengwa, the act is part of RSSB’s corporate social responsibility.

"It is our responsibility to give back to the community. Constructing a modern girls’ hostel will create an appropriate atmosphere to assist the students undertake their studies without hardships,” she said.

Agnes Kaitesi, a third year student at the school, said that she was excited by the initiative as it would relieve female students the burden of living outside the campus.

"Though I might not benefit from the initiative, I know it will greatly help the girls behind me,” said Kaitesi.

The first phase that will have a capacity to accommodate 600 students is expected to be completed in 2013.

Mujawamariya called upon all members of the public and other well-wishers to rally round the endeavour.

"I especially call upon the Alumnae of KIST to help raise funds for this project,” she said.

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