WESTERN PROVINCE

RUBAVU- in an effort to promote girl education in the country, First Lady Jeannette Kagame, through Imbuto Foundation, Saturday awarded 31 best performing girls in both primary and secondary schools of the Western Province.

The best performers in last year’s examinations from Rubavu and Nyabihu districts received Laptops, scholastic material, certificates and cash prizes in a ceremony that took place in Gisenyi town. The rewards were handed over by Senator Odette Nyiramirumo.

She said that the gifts, donated by the office of the First Lady, UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, are meant to boost the performance of girls in schools around the country.

"I hope every girl present here should aspire not only to be the best in their schools, but to become a role model countrywide,” said Nyiramirimo.

She urged them to always serve as examples to other girls which would propel them to better achievements, adding that promoting girl education is giving support to the socio-economic and political development of the country
This is the First Lady’s 5th annual girl award ceremony. Over 500 girls are expected to be awarded under the 2008 programme.

Nyiramirimo urged teachers ,local and church leaders to protect children from all kinds of violence and abuse and called upon parents to provide equal opportunities to the girl child.

"There are parents who still have ancient beliefs of providing more educational opportunities to males and removing females from school for marriage at tender ages,” she warned. The students thanked the First Lady’s initiative for encouraging and helping them toward a bright future.

"We are grateful for the First Ladyfor encouraging us to work hard,” said Emeline Karangirwa.

Karangirwa received a laptop after she emerged the best students in the province in Senior Six. The beneficiaries included the best three students at provincial, district and sector levels.

Imbuto Foundation was founded by Mrs. Kagame to carry forward and build on the work of PACFA, which over the last six years has advocated consistently for health, education and economic empowerment.

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