FAWE is a pan-African organisation established in 1992, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. It operates in 33 African countries with 34 national chapters, working to promote girls' and women's education as a foundation for sustainable development.
In its fifth cohort of university graduates, FAWE Rwanda, together with the Mastercard Foundation, on Wednesday, celebrated the academic achievements of 117 young women who recently completed their undergraduate studies. The initiative, also supported by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), covered the girls' school fees and related expenses from Senior Four through to university graduation.
The graduates completed their degrees at the University of Rwanda and INES Ruhengeri, officially finishing their studies at the end of 2024.
The students expressed gratitude for the support they received, saying it not only helped them academically but also built their confidence and broadened their career prospects.
Athanasie Bugenimana, who earned a bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of Rwanda and had been supported by FAWE since 2015, said the assistance went far beyond tuition and school supplies.
'FAWE provided more than just financial supportâ€"they gave us training and life skills that will help us succeed in the job market. We were equipped with everything we needed, and now it's our turn to show what empowered girls can do and to help others in return,' she said.
Abineza Benigne, a Communications graduate from the University of Rwanda, described the FAWE scholarship as life-changing.
'I'm deeply grateful to FAWE. When I was told they would cover all the costs for my education, it felt like a miracle. I came from a family that couldn't afford those expenses, and I used to worry about how I would continue my studies,' she said.
'After graduating, I landed a job in my field. I now work at Africa Improved Foods, a company fighting malnutrition by producing nutritious flours and other food products.'
Dr. Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director of FAWE Africa, thanked the Government of Rwanda for creating opportunities for girls and urged the graduates to become change-makers and role models.
'All of this was made possible through collaboration. We're grateful to our partners and the Government of Rwanda for their support in advancing girls' education,' she said.
'Together, we're building the capacity of talented young women who are ready to lead and inspire others.'
Eng. Pascal Gatabazi, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Education, noted that FAWE's work has a far-reaching impact.
'FAWE's efforts have long-term effects. Educating a girl does more than provide her with knowledgeâ€"it transforms entire communities, because girls and women play a central role in shaping families and society,' he said.
FAWE began its operations in Rwanda in 1997 and launched its scholarship programme in 2013 through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
IGIHE
