Rwanda Girls Initiative Programs
The Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology is an upper-secondary boarding school for 270 girls, which is located in the Gashora Sector of Rwanda. Our vision for our students is that they will graduate as inspired young leaders, filled with confidence, a love of learning, and a sense of economic empowerment to strengthen their communities and foster Rwanda’s growth. The school’s focus on science and technology will equip the students to succeed in their A-level exams, university, and their future careers. The program will combine rigorous academic preparation, consistent with the National Exam, with well-rounded personal preparation to ensure strong English fluency, as well as an entrepreneurial spirit. Through extracurricular activities, elective classes, and a strong school culture, we will focus on fostering social development and life skills, including conflict resolution.
The Gashora Community Center will serve as both the gateway to the school and as a bridge to the village of Gashora. RGI views community engagement and ownership of the project, as paramount to its long term success. The facility will be available for community gatherings, school functions, and educational classes. The community was the first building constructed on the property, and opened in May 2010. In August of 2010, RGI began offering catch-up English classes for girls in the Gashora sector, to increase the ability of the girls to succeed in upper secondary schooling.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
The Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology opened its doors to its first class of 90 girls in February 2011. The campus includes student dormitories, a dining hall with attached kitchen, science and technology labs, an art/mixed media center, and sports fields.
Our goal is for the Gashora Girls Academy to transition to local Rwandan ownership and management within 7 years. At the core of RGI’s strategy is the development of diverse revenue sources including: tuition, government support, scholarships, and community business income. Until this time, RGI continues to rely upon philanthropic support to provide the funding to operate the school and the Community Center.
Contributions will support each student by funding classroom instruction, textbooks, school supplies, housing in the dorms, three meals per day, health and hygiene supplies. Additional investments also support modern science and technology equipment and an on-campus agricultural program to provide diverse sources of nutrition and hands-on learning experiences in science and entrepreneurship. Extracurricular activities supported by donations include clubs, art, music, sports, and a mentoring program where students of the school will travel to hear from successful Rwandan women in business, politics, and other leadership roles.