President Paul Kagame today attended the first graduation ceremony of Gashora Girls’ Academy of Science and Technology where he congratulated graduates for the great achievement as well as parents for investing in the well-being of the next generation.

Peter Thorp, headmaster of the academy, thanked President Kagame and the First Lady for showing the students that, in Rwanda, there are no obstacles to achieving their dreams. 

Alexia Umurerwa, the representative of the 85 graduands, pledged to the Head of State that their school will be number one in science and technology.

"Thank you [President and the First Lady] for inspiring us, empowering and transforming us into better people. We thank you for promoting gender equality,” she said.

President Kagame commended the success of the students and reminded them that behind each of them, there's a proud family.

"For those who are orphans, we are your family. Never again should any Rwandan be regarded as a second class citizen in their country,” he said.

"We believe that when all facets of our society are equally empowered, we all stand to gain. Empowering all equally is how we will be able to stand on our own feet and be responsible for our development.”

"As girls and as citizens of Rwanda,” he added, "your prospects could not be brighter, for only the sky is the limit.”