Imbuto Foundation and Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) have renewed co-operation for another five-year period to give educational opportunities to outstanding but economically disadvantaged Rwandan students.
The signing of the new deal took place at the MKUR campus in Kicukiro District in Rwanda.
“One only renews a partnership with someone with whom they are pleased to work,” remarked Geraldine Umutesi, Imbuto Foundation’s Deputy Director-General.
“When a seed is well planted, watered, and nurtured as required, it surely blooms,” she said quoting a philosophy she attributed to First Lady Jeannette Kagame, while explaining the reasoning behind the foundation’s name.
Prof Simon Gicharu, chairman and founder of MKUR said Dushakimana received first-class honours after receiving a scholarship in secondary school.
“Not only did she do well in class, but she also served as a student dean throughout her academic career,” he stated.
“Seeing students like Dushakimana who have been positively impacted delights me. Giving brings a lot of joy,” Gicharu added.
The scholarships cover the cost of boarding school, school fees, and any other necessary scholastic materials for each beneficiary student.
Through the partnership, MKUR will commit $205,000 (Rwf208m) towards the Foundation’s Edified Generation Scholarship programme, which will fund the education of 100 students pursuing secondary school studies in different public schools.
MKUR will also set aside one day each year to meet with beneficiaries for the purpose of career guidance.
In 2002, the ‘Edified Generation’ scholarship programme was established to provide financial aid to intellectually qualified students from low-income families.
It is the creation of the First Lady’s Imbuto Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing health, education, youth empowerment and economic growth.