Education is the key to success

In November 2009, I happened to land on the application form of the African Leadership Academy. I was curious about the school so I visited their fascinating and very attractive website (www.africanleadershipacademy.org ). I was motivated to apply on line and immediately filled the application forms. I always dreamed big about aiming higher, so I carefully applied for a place in this prestigious university with hope of winning. I always believed that I am one of those people created to do something bigger but, I was blunt on how to achieve my full potential. Even though I have been an active student leader in the two schools I have attended; Sonrise Primary and Secondary schools, I knew I was being shaped to become a leader but pushed my dream away because I thought leadership was associated with only politics which is not the case. Leadership is how much influence a person has in a society in either dimensions of life. Every year, the African Leadership Academy in South Africa, admits students from 54 African countries based only on merit. This year’s competition was tense based on the 2,500 applicants (the institute only admits 100 students each year). This did not deter me from striving to be among the lucky few. Thankfully three Rwandan students, me inclusive, were selected! IRANKUNDA Dieudonne, MUGANZA Jessica and I saw an opportunity roaring at us and chose to go for it: We chose not to dread the intensity of the competition but we instead suspended our fears and ran for it. Just like everybody else, we had fears but we should never let our life’s fears reign over us; we should overcome fear. I encourage my fellow students in Rwanda that playing it safe is not always the safer way, instead coming out of our nutshells to get exposed to the outside world is the best way to prove our potential. Like Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” I believe that the future of this country as well as the future of our continent lies in the hands of the learned, committed and thoughtful young generation. We youth, need to aspire and desire to have a quality education. By taking the prospects of a pen and a book, we will discover our cause; realize our destiny and our roles to play so as to make Africa the place we want it to be. The author is a student at Sonrise Secondary School. emmanirakiza18@yahoo.com