08Nov2025
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June 2025
Inzozi AcademyStudent Story
June 9, 2025

Sugira: Finding His Voice Lifted Him Up

Before finding his voice at Inzozi Academy, Sugira faced a quiet—but deeply impactful—challenge: speaking in front of others.

Though bright and thoughtful, he often held back during group activities. He had great ideas, but fear of making mistakes or being judged kept him silent. This hesitation didn’t just affect his participation—it also limited his confidence and engagement in other subjects.

Thankfully, two of his teachers, Ms. Esther and Ms. Merissa, noticed what was happening. They saw Sugira’s potential and chose to respond with patience and intentionality. Rather than pushing him to speak up in uncomfortable ways, they introduced thoughtful strategies to help him grow at his own pace.

One key strategy was assigning him leadership roles during group work. As the team leader, Sugira was given the responsibility of coordinating classmates and guiding group tasks. Though hesitant at first, the supportive classroom environment helped him take the leap. Slowly, he began stepping into the role with more confidence.

Another breakthrough came when he was encouraged to present his group’s work to the class. At first, standing in front of his peers felt overwhelming. But with gentle guidance and consistent encouragement from his teachers, Sugira started to speak—nervously at first, but with growing strength each time. Every presentation became a step toward greater confidence.

As he grew more comfortable expressing himself, the impact spread beyond public speaking. Sugira began participating more in class, asking questions, and engaging with his schoolwork in a new way. The fear that once held him back was replaced by a deepening sense of self-assurance.

Today, Sugira is not the same student he once was. He speaks with clarity and purpose, leads with confidence, and fully participates in classroom life. His journey is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when teachers look past a student’s silence and choose to nurture their potential.

At Inzozi Academy, transformation doesn’t always happen loudly—but it does happen powerfully.

Project ServeStudent Story
June 9, 2025

Emmanuel: How Hagari Transformed My Life

When I was in primary school, learning was something I loved—but fear and uncertainty followed me into the classroom every day. My family was large, with six children, and my father struggled to provide for us all. Sometimes, only one term’s school fees would be paid for the entire academic year. I was often sent home due to unpaid fees, making it nearly impossible to study in peace. At times, I had little hope of ever finishing school.

But everything changed when Hagari came into my life.

Hagari began covering my school fees, and that support brought back something I had lost—hope. With the weight of financial stress lifted, I was able to study with joy and renewed motivation. My academic performance improved significantly, and I began to see real progress in my grades.

Beyond financial support, Hagari gave me opportunities to grow in many areas. One of the most impactful experiences was joining Project Serve—a program where students come together to serve families in need. Through it, I developed a strong work ethic and discovered the value of service. I learned important life skills like communication, public speaking, and teamwork, which continue to help me today.

Thanks to those experiences, I was able to find small jobs during school holidays—something I couldn’t have done before. Hagari’s investment in me wasn’t just academic or professional—it was also spiritual. Through regular teachings, they helped deepen my relationship with God. They taught us the importance of prayer, reading the Bible, and living with purpose. That foundation of faith still guides my life today.

Another area of personal growth was reading. Before joining Hagari, I struggled with both Kinyarwanda and English. But through Hagari’s reading program, I learned to read fluently in both languages. I can now understand English and even speak it with growing confidence. I used to fear speaking in public, but today I can express myself clearly in front of others—a change I never thought possible.

In short, I am a changed person because of the incredible impact Hagari has had on my life. They didn’t just help me stay in school—they believed in me, equipped me, and helped me grow into the person I am today.

I am deeply grateful for all they have done—and continue to do—for me.

Student Story
June 9, 2025

A Quiet Shift: Harriet’s Story of Change

Before joining Hagari Rwanda, Harriet’s life was filled with worry and uncertainty. She often found herself anxious about her family’s future—especially when it came to her first child’s education. “I had no idea where she would go to school,” Harriet shares. “Every day felt like I was trying to figure things out without enough support.”

But when her daughter was accepted into the Hagari program, everything began to shift.

Through Hagari’s support, Harriet’s daughter was able to transfer to Inzozi Academy—a school with a more nurturing and supportive learning environment. “She used to struggle and often ranked near the bottom of her class,” Harriet explains. “Now she consistently performs well. That alone brought me a lot of peace.”

Harriet’s journey didn’t stop with her daughter’s progress. As a parent, she also began participating in Hagari’s family training sessions. These sessions introduced her to new skills—most notably, self-control and patience. “I used to clash with my husband over small issues,” she says. “But now I’ve learned to stay calm and approach things with more understanding. It’s improved our relationship and brought more peace into our home.”

One training that made a particularly lasting impact on Harriet was about self-reliance. “I used to depend entirely on my husband, even to start a small business,” she says. When he refused to give her the capital she requested, Harriet took matters into her own hands. She began sewing clothes and used the small income she earned to start saving. Even grocery money, when carefully managed, became an opportunity to set aside a little extra.

With time and persistence, Harriet expanded her work. She continued sewing and began selling children’s shoes. “Hagari helped me realize that saving doesn’t require a lot of money—just consistency and discipline,” she explains. That mindset has transformed how she handles daily responsibilities, especially during the times her husband is away.

Recently, Harriet even took a bold step toward future independence: she applied for a national identification document so she could pursue a motorcycle driving license. “My husband didn’t fully support the idea,” she says, “but I chose to move forward anyway. I want to be able to support our family—with or without help.”

Throughout her journey, Harriet has leaned on the guidance of Hagari’s dedicated social workers. “They’ve given me direction and advice whenever I needed it,” she says. “Because of this program, I now think differently and manage my life more intentionally.”

Harriet’s story is one of quiet, determined transformation—a testament to how steady support, education, and encouragement can empower families to thrive.

“I’m truly grateful for all the positive changes that Hagari has brought to my family,” she says.