Inspired by the First Lady, Kayitesi started anti-AIDS club

Cynthia Kayitesi beat three strong opponents to the post of head prefect at Martyrs Secondary School in Remera, Kigali. The 17-year-old Senior Five student says she drew inspiration from the First Lady, Jeannette Kagame. She particularly admires the First Lady’s service to the under-privileged and women. She says Mrs. Kagame’s dedication to uplifting the status of women has always touched her, and inspired her to seek to serve others in her own capacity. “When I joined this school I joined hands with our teacher Mr Peter Habineza, and formed an anti-Aids club. The sole aim of the club is to create awareness about HIV/Aids among the young generation,” Kayitesi says. She reveals that her decision to start the anti-Aids club was greatly influenced by the good work of Imbuto Foundation, a philanthropic organisation established by the First Lady. Kayitesi says what makes her special is her ability to solve complex cases among students without the knowledge of the administration. “I don’t believe in reporting my fellow students to the administration before advising them. Besides, if God can give you a second chance, why not do the same for others?” she asks. Kayitesi dreams of becoming a computer engineer and one of the greatest women leaders Rwanda has produced in the twenty-first century.