Riviera High School gets new council

On Sunday June 2, a new advisory council was commissioned to replace the old board that had been in place from the time Riviera High School was established. The event coincided with a parents’ meeting held at the school. The new council is led by Justice Johnson Busingye, a principal judge, East African Court of Justice, (he was recently appointed Justice Minister awaiting approval). He will be deputised by Marie Christine Gasingirwa, Rector Kigali Institute of Science and Technology. Others on the council are Prof. Verdiana Grace Masanja, Director of Research, National University of Rwanda, Thomas Minani, Deputy MD, Burundi Brewery, Prof. George Njoroge, Rector, Kigali Institute of Education and Dr. Livingstone Byamungu, Chief Investment Advisor, Rwanda Private Sector Federation. While handing over to the new council, outgoing chairman, Charles Karake thanked the school proprietors for the huge investment they took to put up the school and said it was a huge contribution to the rebuilding of Rwanda. He also commended other outgoing board members like Senator Joseph Karemera, Anne Gahongayire, Dr. Livingstone Byamungu and Prof. Silas Lwakabamba for the great task they have played in transforming a bush into a great school. “We are leaving behind a legacy of high performance and we are certain that it will continue,” said Karake. In his inaugural speech as chairman of the advisory council, Justice Busingye thanked Karake and pointed out that he was indeed stepping into big shoes. “To fit in his [Karake’s] shoes is not something very easy but I will do my level best with your support,” he said. He later talked about the school’s plans to ensure that it remains a top performing school not only in Rwanda but in the whole region. “From August this year we shall be communicating to you online through email. You should submit your emails in order to be able to receive your children’s report cards by mail,” he informed the parents. He urged parents not to wait for parents’ meetings to communicate with the school. “You can always visit the school website and email us concerning anything you wish to see or know about,” he said. Justice Busingye also emphasised the importance of parents playing a key role in the management of the school. “We want to work very closely with parents so that the success of your children is the result of a strong partnership between the school and the parent, he said.