Ecobank Rwanda celebrated Ecobank Day at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) in Rwamagana on November 14, focusing on empowering youth through digital literacy and artificial intelligence (AI). During the event, Ecobank staff members toured the village to learn about its founding, growth, and ongoing impact. The celebration, themed “Ignite Learning with AI”, included a discussion led by a representative from the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) on the role of AI in advancing education. Demonstrating its commitment to supporting youth development, Ecobank proudly contributed to equipping ASYV with a modern computer lab to enhance digital literacy among students, with the aim of enhancing the technological skills of the youth and preparing them for future opportunities in the digital economy. ALSO READ: Ecobank registers Rwf7.6 billion net profit in 2023 Managing Director of Ecobank Rwanda, Carine Umutoni, addressed the students at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) during the Ecobank Day celebration, recognising the exceptional talents of the students. “We’ve all heard about Agahozo Shalom, but after seeing what we’ve witnessed today, there’s no doubt you are going to shine. You will be the leaders of tomorrow—scientists, physicians, designers, doctors, bankers. The future is yours,” she said. She emphasised that Ecobank’s mission goes beyond just banking—it is also committed to being actively engaged with the community and investing in the youth as part of shaping a brighter future. In his remarks, Jean Claude Nkulikiyimfura, CEO of ASYV, emphasised the vital role of Ecobank’s support, which he said provides students with essential tools to make informed decisions and prepare for the future— reflecting on how these young people would one day become leaders of tomorrow, shaping the future of Rwanda, East Africa, and the world. “I encourage the students to recognise the immense opportunity that you have before you; you are blessed to be in such a supportive environment. As I thank Ecobank for their support, I want to assure you that there are no limits to what you can achieve, and as ASYV, we will continue to stand by you, providing you with resources and guidance along the way,” he noted. This support, he explained, is more than just a gift; it’s an investment in a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone ALSO READ: Ecobank Rwanda launches customer service week Victor Muvunyi, an emerging technology specialist at MINICT, emphasised that AI should not be viewed merely as a tool that simplifies life but as a catalyst for deeper learning and innovation. He pointed out that by automating repetitive tasks and summarising information, AI frees up time for students to focus on more important cognitive skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. “It’s going to allow you to think critically, and to take advantage of the time that you have been given back to you, you need to know that AI is not a shortcut to knowledge but an opportunity to engage more deeply with the learning process,” he said. Muvunyi also highlighted that the true value of AI lies in how students choose to use it—not just to find quick answers, but to enhance their own knowledge and develop original ideas. John Kelly Rukundo, the president of the Students at ASYV, expressed his gratitude on behalf of his fellow students, noting that the support they received is what motivates them to stay focused on their education. “I want to express our sincere thanks to the Ecobank team for their encouragement and support. Your contribution is a meaningful gift that inspires us to keep moving forward with our education. I assure you; we won’t use it for social media—we will use it for important school work,” he said.
