First Lady Jeannette Kagame presents more than 100 schoolgirls who excel in their studies

123 top-performing girls from primary, ordinary, and advanced levels received awards from First Lady Jeannette Kagame on May 24. She encouraged them to develop life skills in addition to their academic prowess.

Held at Intare Conference Arena, the award ceremony, themed “20 Years of Inspiring Girls to Excel,” also commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Promotion of Girls’ Education Campaign.

Launched by the First Lady in 2005, the initiative seeks to improve girls’ school enrollment, retention, and performance in order to solve gender gaps in education.

It encourages healthy competition and school retention by recognizing girls’ exceptional academic performance as “Inkubito z’Icyeza,” and it inspires other girls to achieve as well. 471 girls across will be honored this year, and they will get their certificates at their individual schools.

Twenty years have passed since the seeds of empowering girls with knowledge, skills, and confidence were planted, and the fruits have already matured in schools, homes, government, and national development, according to Mrs. Kagame.

She noted that some of the program’s graduates are still excellent today and have gone on to become leaders, teachers, doctors, security guards, and other different professions.

“The girls were chosen for their talent and drive for achievement, and they have demonstrated courage, wisdom, and tremendous strength over the past 20 years.”

The program encourages girls to enroll, stay in school, and achieve academic success in order to reduce gender inequities in education.
It may seem simple in this day of globalization and rapid development, but it is insufficient to provide young people—boys and girls alike—opportunities, she said.

Young kids see a lot of things, but they lack the attitude and conduct that enable them to deal with life’s obstacles, make choices, think critically, have confidence, and form positive connections with others. Without these, the chances might be lost.

In addition to celebrating the twentieth anniversary, she urged the children to consider where they will be represented at the next celebration—as capable and bright women and girls who will be the parents of tomorrow.

The concept for this initiative originated from our nation’s overarching objective to create inclusive education for everyone and give boys and girls equal chances. That’s when we developed this program to recognize and reward the girls who perform the best, to give them a sense of encouragement, to motivate them to strive harder, and to set an example for their peers.

Boys should receive the same amount of effort and support, the First Lady stated, as they also require guidance and companionship in order to grow in knowledge, character, and behavior.

Additionally, she cautioned the young ladies that choosing topics that align with the direction of the world and the careers that are in demand in the market is more important than simply achieving high marks.

A doctor at Nyagatare District Hospital and an alumnus of Inkubito z’Icyeza, Dr. Janet Kayesu, spoke about her journey, which began in 2012 when she received an award from the First Lady upon her completion of primary school. She took courage from the event that paved the way for her academic success, and in 2015 she was once again recognized with a scholarship that helped her parents financially.

After achieving her goal of becoming a doctor, Kayesu encouraged new students to pursue their goals and aspirations in spite of obstacles.

In order for the young ladies to survive and prosper wherever, Louise Mushikiwabo, the Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), urged them to acquire adaptability skills. She clarified, though, that adaptation is about developing a strong character and knowing what is right and wrong, not about absorbing everything that is presented to one.

The International Organization of La Francophonie’s Secretary-General, Louise Mushikiwabo, gave a speech on May 24 in Kigali during the 20th anniversary of the Girls’ Education Promotion Campaign. Dan Gatsinzi took the footage.

No matter where they travel, girls should always remember to maintain their identity, Mushikiwabo continued.

Claudette Irere, Minister of State for Education, celebrated the work of the Imbuto Foundation, which not only opened doors for thousands of girls but also changed mindsets, communities, and the country as a whole. She cited various studies in the education sector that show the rise in girl child education over time.

“You have cultivated excellence, fostered resilience, and instilled confidence in young women who are now leaders, innovators, and transformation agents,” she added.