Children in the Wilderness Rwanda has awarded 80 six-year scholarships, valued at USD120 000, to learners at Bisate Secondary School. Provided by Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge guests, the scholarships will cover school fees, books and uniforms costs for the full duration of their secondary school education.
“An integral part of our CITW programme is providing scholarships, an important enabler for many children who cannot afford to receive an education. On the 12th February, we had the pleasure of conducting an official handover to the children at Bisate Secondary School, in the presence of our stakeholders, local government, Ministry of Education, the school administration, and local press, as well as the children’s parents”, says Ingrid Baas, Wilderness Safaris Rwanda Operations Manager.
Carefully selected by the CITW Rwanda team, Eco-Club mentors and the Headmistress, the learners were chosen on the basis of academic merit and participation in their Eco-Club (an interactive, fun and educational environmental skills programme for children). Having graduated from primary school, they are now enrolled at Bisate Secondary School and are the first group to progress into CITW Rwanda’s Youth Environmental Stewardship (YES) programme. The YES Club is designed for older learners and expands on the conservation concepts introduced in Eco-Clubs.
In order to retain the scholarship in each grade, learners must maintain good academic results while showing dedication, motivation and good behaviour. CITW Rwanda Programme Coordinator, Aline Umutoni, will monitor the progress of each learner on a regular basis.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support of our donors who continue to contribute to the upliftment of the Bisate Primary and Secondary school learners. We launched our first Eco-Club in 2018, impacting 60 children, and have now expanded to Akayange Primary School just outside Akagera National Park, and Gisunzu Primary School situated close to Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Each of the three schools runs two weekly Eco-Clubs of about 30 children each, making a total of 184 participants. The CITW Rwanda programme now impacts 264 children – continuing to realise its mission of creating more learning sanctuaries across Africa”.
“Thanks to our guests helping us to grow our impact in more schools in Rwanda, we can give more learners the opportunity to get a comprehensive education”, concludes Ingrid.
Report by Sibahle Mncwango
