Meet Keren Neza

O level’s best student from Riviera High School Saturday was a day that will forever remain memorable in the life of Keren Neza, the best O’ level performer countrywide. This 16- year old student of Riviera High school was glad to bring happiness and joy to her family, friends and most of all her school. Out of the 51,737 students who sat for O- level examinations, she come out best with Distinctions in all the eight subjects she wrote. “When my friend called and told me that she heard I was the best, I thought she was joking, then others kept calling and I thought they were just playing with me,” Neza said with a smile. Well, the truth always comes out right and her position as number one was confirmed a few minutes later.“It was so surprising,” Neza said. Born to a Dr. Daniel Rukazambuga Ntiruswa, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the National University of Rwanda (NUR) and Theresa Gasengayire, an accountant at the same institute, Neza said they supported her all the way. Her favourite subject being mathematics, she intends to pursue sciences for her A-Level. This brilliant and soft spoken girl said she found most of her motivation to study from the teachers at her school who supported and guided her. “I always paid attention in class and teachers have played a big part in my studies. Even if I read my books, do a lot of research and even have group discussions with other students, I always remember what the teacher said in class because it sticks with me,” Neza said. Neza joined Riviera High School three years ago and according to her Class Teacher Donna A. Ajambo, Neza has always been an intelligent and bright student. “No one has ever taken the number one position in her class other than her. She is hard working, social, naturally bright and very good at mobilizing other students,” Teacher Donna said. Her Class Teacher also revealed that Neza was always an exemplary student and other kids look up to her. Her mother Theresa Gasengayire said that it is important for parents to encourage their children to study. She also attributed her daughter’s success to Riviera High School. “The good team that was built between the parents, teachers and administration of the school is what has made the students successful. Every child is followed up and everyone is involved in the progress of the students,” she said. Overall, both Primary Leaving Examinations (P.L.E) and O’ Level results indicated an improvement in girls performance. Unlike previous years, 2009 will be the first year in record where a girl excels as the best student in Rwanda. Neza said, “Gender doesn’t really matter in performance. It’s all about what you really want to achieve coupled with your hard work.” During her free time Neza said she loves watching movies and reading Christian novels because, “they teach people to have purpose in life.”She also enjoys jogging for physical fitness. Keren Neza is the 2nd child and has one sister and two brothers. Ends