The event took place on Friday, 30th August 2019, at IPRC-Kigali, where scholars, leaders from different institutions, friends and family members of scholars were gathered together to witness this ceremony of bestowal of honors to the scholars who were under Mastercard foundation and Fawe Rwanda Scholarship during their advanced level studies.

In her opening remarks, Fawe Rwanda national coordinator, Mrs Antonia Mutoro congratulated the scholars for the achievement and assured them a follow up and any support they will need from FAWE.

“I want to congratulate you young women. I know that this is the beginning, I want to assure you that we shall follow up on you and the support you will need from us, we are there for you.” Said Fawe Rwanda National coordinator.

Speaking on behalf of Fawe Africa, Teresa Omondi-Adeitan, Deputy Executive Director asked the scholars to use the skills they got in high school and boot camp and make themselves better.

She said : “You’ve just started, there are many other good things that you will be able to do. Not only for those who are going to the university, but I want to speak more to those who are probably not going to the university, but you have other opportunities. Entrepreneur skills, you will be able to join technical and vocational and education training institutes so that you are able to be better people. So the sky is actually a lower limit”

In partnership with Fawe Rwanda, Mastercard Foundation (MCF) supported these scholars by providing students with the necessary scholastic materials as well as skills training, leadership development, counselling, and mentoring. MCF believes in scholars to be agents of transformation in Rwanda and Africa as well.

“Congratulations and thank you to everyone who helped these girls to get where they are today. We truly believe that young people like you will be driving and leading transformation in Rwanda and in Africa.” Declared Shona Benson MCF country representative.

Representing the ministry of education, Dr. Gasingirwa Marie Christine also congratulated the scholars and promised them full support from the government of Rwanda.

She said : “Looking at these girls I see a bright future and transformative leadership. We are very proud of you, like His Excellency always says that our greatest resource is in our people. And you are our people, mothers of our future generation. On this moment I would like to say the government is promising to support you and we are waiting to see on the labour market and I hope you will bear fruits.”

The event was also an occasion to honor 19 girls who performed well in national examinations with results of 73/73 in advanced level.

It is expected that at the end of this year (2019), FAWE Rwanda through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will award comprehensive scholarships to 353 scholars transitioning to tertiary level including the provision of laptops to facilitate access to and use of digital contents to improve scholars ICT literacy and skills in the good use of internet, MS office, excel, power point and knowledge in troubleshooting to effectively and efficiently become competitive in an increasing globalized smart classrooms and job market.