15Mar2025
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Student Story

Category: Student Story

Student Story
March 11, 2025

Christian’s Growth Journey

Christian, a Nursery Two student, initially faced challenges in his learning journey. He struggled with concentration, often only engaging with a small group of classmates, and had difficulty with basic skills like counting and word decoding. His limited social interactions and academic struggles made it hard for him to fully engage in the classroom environment.

The turning point in Christian’s progress came when his teacher, Miss Gemima, recognized his potential and began offering one-on-one support. She tailored her lessons to his pace, providing encouragement and fostering a supportive learning environment. Through her personalized approach, Christian learned to balance his communication skills with better focus on his work, gradually gaining confidence.

As a result of this focused support, Christian’s social and academic development flourished. He began interacting more with his classmates and forming stronger connections. Academically, he improved in counting and began decoding words, marking significant progress in his literacy skills. Christian’s journey demonstrates the impact of personalized teaching and the power of a small, supportive classroom environment.

We are grateful for the skilled and compassionate teachers at Inzozi who truly take time to support and encourage students who are struggling. At many schools it is easy for students to fall through the cracks while the teacher gears their lessons that gives their attention to the stronger students. But at Inzozi we are committed to helping each student reach their potential and not letting anyone fall through the cracks.

Inzozi AcademyStudent Story
January 17, 2025

From Shy to Confident

Teacher Gemima, Nursery 2 Teacher, shares her thoughts about a student named Naillah and the transformation she has seen in her.

“At the beginning of each academic year, I am always excited to welcome the new learners joining my class after they have spent a full year in Nursery One, developing their characters and adapting to the learning environment. This year, one student who particularly caught my attention is Ineza Choice Naillah.

Naillah is generally a quiet, clean, and careful student. Initially, she struggled with shyness, which led her to keep her thoughts and desires to herself, making it difficult for teachers to understand her needs. Her participation in group activities was minimal, as she often seemed unsure of herself and hesitant to take pride in her work. This made it challenging for us as teachers to recognize her potential.

As her educators, we have encouraged Naillah to take more initiative, answer questions, and express herself more freely. We have discouraged chorus answers in class, instead allowing students to respond by raising their hands. This approach gives every child the opportunity to answer a question, which has significantly boosted their confidence. Now, during circle time, as well as story and singing periods, there is confidence in her voice and ideas. Her social interactions have also improved as she engages more with her peers, including those who were initially more active than she was.

One of the most significant changes in Naillah’s journey has been her newfound pride in her work. She now joyfully calls our attention when she has completed tasks and takes pride in her accomplishments. Even when her work is not perfect, she no longer gives up as she did before. Instead, she approaches her mistakes with resilience, restarting her work with energy and determination. This shift in mindset has boosted her confidence and made her stronger, more persistent, and eager to grow.”

– Teacher Gemima

Inzozi AcademyStudent Story
January 17, 2025

From Struggles To Success

Ntwali Joshua is a brilliant 5-year-old who has made incredible progress in his learning journey. His interest in learning is remarkable; he is intrinsically motivated and punctual. Although Joshua excels in many aspects of his academic life, he faces challenges in some areas—specifically, his pencil grasp, which has been below average. Upon noticing his struggles, the teachers became more intentional in providing support for Joshua.

While the other students used rounded pencils, Joshua was given a large, three-sided pencil. He started with writing simple letters and numbers. Thanks to his persistence, he has not only learned to write numbers correctly but can also do so independently—without needing to copy. His understanding of numbers extends beyond writing; he can relate each number to its corresponding quantity, demonstrating a deeper grasp of early math concepts.

Joshua’s progress didn’t stop there; he has also made significant strides in reading. He is now able to read short CVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant) sentences with confidence. This progress, once hard to imagine, has been a joy to witness and showcases the power of perseverance.

Having Joshua in class has been a true blessing, and we are excited about what the future holds for him. His journey proves that with the right tools, encouragement, and determination, incredible progress is possible. We believe Joshua is capable of even more, and his story will inspire others to believe in their potential and continue striving for academic excellence.

Inzozi AcademyStudent Story
December 19, 2024

Transformed By The Word Of God

Kelly, a beneficiary of the Hagari Student Partnership Program, faced several challenges at his former school that hindered his academic progress. When he was transferred to Inzozi Academy in September 2024—a school established by Hagari Rwanda to provide quality education to children like him—his new teachers assessed his academic level as average, with limited reading ability.

“Coming from a learning environment that met only the bare minimum, Kelly believed he was doing well. To his surprise, the learning system at Inzozi Academy demanded more. It required his engagement and the application of the knowledge he gained,” explained his teacher, Mr. Simon.

Kelly’s transition to Inzozi Academy was not just academically challenging; it was also spiritually transformative. Initially, he showed little interest in Bible study sessions, and his body language made it clear he was disengaged. To address this, his Bible teacher, Mr. Siabo, gave him the responsibility of reading scriptures aloud to his classmates. This simple yet intentional act gave Kelly a sense of purpose and accountability.

As Kelly began reading scripture, the words started to resonate with him. His engagement deepened, and he started reflecting on the lessons. Kelly began asking questions and participating in meaningful discussions both in and out of class. Through these sessions, he encountered messages of love, forgiveness, and purpose that challenged and inspired him.

The more Kelly immersed himself in the Word, the greater his interest grew. He started taking initiative, eagerly looking forward to Bible study sessions, and sharing insights that inspired his peers. These lessons have become not just academic but deeply personal, as Kelly has begun internalizing the teachings, applying them to his life, and experiencing much-needed spiritual growth.

Kelly’s newfound passion for the Bible is slowly shaping his discipline and character for the better. Hagari’s discipleship program is playing a vital role in the lives of beneficiaries by softening their hearts and shaping their behaviors. This enables them to fully embrace the benefits of other programs, such as education and family support, which are designed to interrupt the cycle of poverty and replace it with a cycle of empowerment.

Student Story
December 19, 2024

From Indifference To Inspiration

Divine, a primary four student, was previously labeled as lazy, slow, and indifferent at her former school. This negative perception was one of the key reasons why Hagari Rwanda worked tirelessly to transfer her and her classmates to Inzozi Academy. For students like Divine, who come from troubled backgrounds, struggling in school is common. However, such challenges should be seen as opportunities for all stakeholders to identify areas where support is most needed.

In September of this year, when Divine joined Inzozi Academy, her new teachers recognized these challenges. Rather than labeling her, they focused on supporting her through a specialized and individualized learning environment. This tailored approach has proven to be the catalyst for Divine’s transformation.

At Inzozi Academy, the teacher-student ratio in primary four is an impressive 1:6. With one teacher overseeing just six students, every child, including Divine, is actively engaged in their learning. This structure has eliminated the problem of laziness by ensuring that each student is meaningfully involved. Furthermore, teachers at Inzozi are empowered to integrate the academy’s core values into their lessons. Two of these values—excellence and responsibility—have played a significant role in addressing Divine’s tardiness and indifference. Divine now understands that being slow and indifferent prevents her from doing her best, leaving opportunities unfulfilled.

Mr. Siabo, her Bible study teacher, shared his perspective: “She now embodies a spirit of curiosity, a hunger for knowledge, and a deep faith. Her progress is a testament to the power of hope, education, and spiritual guidance.”

Academically, Divine lost valuable time during her earlier years when she struggled and disengaged. Her teachers at Inzozi Academy are now helping her catch up on the content she missed. They are mindful of the “Matthew Effect”—a phenomenon where students who start their education strong continue to excel, while those who begin poorly tend to struggle later. With Divine’s newfound positive attitude, her teachers are confident that her learning journey can be turned around.

Through its mission of reimagining education, Hagari Rwanda, alongside Inzozi Academy, is committed to empowering and equipping young lives like Divine’s. A heartfelt thanks goes out to the well-wishers who generously donate towards the purchase of learning materials and the development of Inzozi Academy—an institution transforming the future of education in Rwanda.

Student Story
December 19, 2024

Breaking the Cycle: Shared by Mama Joy

The education of my child worried me a lot. My concern was not whether she would go to school but whether she would attain a quality education—one that would transform her and impact this nation. That was my primary concern as my child approached school-going age. While there are good schools in Kigali, they are far from affordable. Without Hagari Rwanda stepping in, the fate of my child would have been sealed. The cycle of poverty and illiteracy would have continued in our family. But today, I am confident that my child is being prepared for opportunities and a life I never had.

Joy is currently in Nursery One and has been attending Inzozi Academy for three months. The impact this institution has had on her is astonishing. Her social and emotional development amazes me. She used to cry for everything she saw; her demands were relentless, and her tantrums were overwhelming. When my family was accepted into the Hagari Student Partnership Program, the teachers committed to supporting Joy, and I received help from the Hagari Family Support Team through weekly training sessions and home visits. In these sessions, I learned proper parenting techniques, which equipped me with the skills to address my child’s behavior. This holistic approach by Hagari, aimed at supporting the entire family, is incredibly rare among the NGOs operating in our community.

I am eternally grateful to Hagari Rwanda for shouldering the cost of my child’s education. With Joy attending Inzozi Academy, a school owned and run by Hagari, she is now in a safe and nurturing environment. Previously, I either had to leave her with a well-wisher or take her to my workplace, which caused me significant stress. Additionally, I struggled to make ends meet and could not have afforded her school fees. Now, my daughter enjoys two free nutritious meals per day, safe drinking water throughout the day, and the support of two teachers in her class who ensure that Joy and her peers have their learning needs met.

 

Inzozi AcademyStudent Story
November 20, 2024

Joy’s Journey To Confidence

Ms. Albertine provided insight into the progress Joy and the entire Primary 4 class have made during the half-term at Inzozi Academy. She explained, “My co-teachers and I welcomed this Primary 4 class in mid-September. We embarked on a journey to evaluate each child’s academic potential and behavior, aiming to establish a baseline that would inform us of the techniques and efforts required to help these students reach their full potential.”

Initially, Joy struggled with low self-confidence and had difficulties in several areas. She often appeared withdrawn, and her lack of self-assurance was evident in her approach to schoolwork. Additionally, her hygiene was lacking, and she seemed disengaged in her studies. While every student faced challenges, Joy’s situation required urgent attention for her to thrive.

Recognizing Joy’s potential, her teachers took a proactive approach to address her difficulties. They started by speaking with Joy and involving her mother, understanding that consistent support would be most effective through a collaborative effort. This partnership created opportunities for Joy’s success as they identified small, achievable steps aimed at building her confidence and personal care habits.

The teachers also arranged extra tutorials for Joy, dedicating additional time to help her navigate challenging subjects. These sessions allowed her to ask questions freely, develop foundational skills, and regain control over her learning journey. With this personalized support, Joy’s attitude began to shift. Gradually, she became more engaged, and her enthusiasm for learning has grown with each passing week.

“Joy’s story demonstrates how a little extra attention can significantly impact a life,” reflected her teacher, who has witnessed her growth firsthand. “She has worked incredibly hard, and now she’s one of our most enthusiastic learners. Seeing her confidence grow has been rewarding for everyone involved,” said Teacher Alba.

Inzozi AcademyStudent Story
November 20, 2024

Unlocking Ian’s Potential

On 16th September 2024, Ian walked through the gates of Inzozi Academy for the very first time. In a new environment, with new faces, Ian’s first week of school can be described as one of frequent tears and frustrations that ended up in emotional outbursts. For his teachers and classmates, those initial days were challenging as Ian’s reluctance to engage created an atmosphere of tension. However, his teachers saw beyond the difficult behavior; they recognized the vulnerability and committed themselves to helping him find his way in school.

Early childhood education calls for an incredible amount of patience and this is what the teachers have exercised with the learners at Inzozi Academy. Everyday, Ian’s teachers welcomed him with a warm smile and an open heart, creating an environment that was both structured and supportive.

By remaining steadfast in their approach, Ian’s teachers slowly helped him lower his defenses and become more accepting of others and interactive. With each small interaction, Ian felt a little safer, a little more seen, and gradually, he began to respond. As weeks go by, Ian is embracing his identity as a loved and cared for member of the Inzozi Academy community.

He has taken interest in music and singing, which has become his outlet for expressing emotions that words could not capture. Half way the school term, Ian can be seen raising his hand up to answer a question, and his voice can be heard in the many discussions that go on in class. Ms. Sifa, who has watched Ian blossom, reflects on his journey: “When Ian first came to us, he struggled with anger. He was rebellious, he resisted and resented authority, often clashing with others. But now, he is changed, we are delighted by his quick integration and the progress made.”

Ian’s story highlights the importance of empathy and patience in education. His transformation embodies Inzozi Academy’s commitment to every child’s potential, proving that with a compassionate environment, even the most challenging journeys can lead to growth. Today, Ian stands as a reminder of how powerful a supportive community can be in helping a child overcome barriers, embrace change, and grow into a confident, compassionate individual.

Student Story
October 2, 2024

Empowering Communities Through Umuganda

Usanase Happy, a student in the Hagari Rwanda Student Partnership program, has always understood the value of hard work and community. But it wasn’t until she participated in the Umuganda activities at Inzozi Academy this summer that she truly began to see how these values come together to shape her character and her future. Umuganda is a monthly community workday that takes place throughout Rwanda. During a recent Umuganda session, Happy joined other beneficiaries in cleaning the school grounds. As she worked, she couldn’t help but reflect on how these experiences were influencing her. “I feel better, and I know how to work with other people,” Happy shared with a smile. “Engaging in Umuganda here at Inzozi Academy, I’m helping myself literally.”

For Happy, Umuganda is more than just a requirement or a chore; it is an opportunity to grow. Through this communal work, she is learning the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and self-discipline. These lessons go beyond the classroom, equipping her with the skills and mindset she will need to navigate the challenges of life. Happy’s involvement in Umuganda has also deepened her connection to the Hagari Rwanda community. By contributing to the maintenance and beautification of Inzozi Academy, she feels a greater sense of pride and ownership in the school. She understands that the work she does not only benefits her education but also lays the foundation for the students who will come after her.

This sense of contribution and belonging has given Happy a new perspective on the role she plays in the Hagari Rwanda community. She recognizes that every action, no matter how small, has a ripple effect and that by helping out through Umuganda, she is not just improving her environment but also building her own character and the future of young Rwandans. Happy’s story is a perfect illustration that community work is not just about the physical tasks accomplished; it is about the personal growth and collective strength that come from working together. Through Umuganda, Happy is learning that by helping others, she is also helping herself. She is developing skills, forging relationships, and creating a legacy of service and community that will continue to inspire her long after she graduates.

Project ServeStudent Story
October 2, 2024

Aime’s Journey of Growth

Kwizera Aime Bonfils is a young man of few words, often perceived as a quiet observer in crowded social settings. However, his experience with Project Serve has profoundly influenced his life, revealing depths of character and spirituality. Reflecting on his time with Project Serve, Aime speaks with a deep sense of nostalgia.

“I have had an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of myself and the power of my free will,” he shares. “The experience provided me with a unique opportunity to explore my inner self, understanding the choices I make and the impact they have on my life and those around me. This self-awareness has been a crucial part of my growth during the project. My time here in Northern Rwanda has been significantly shaped by the “Father Heart of God” classes (a cornerstone of the Project Serve experience). Those classes taught me to be more compassionate, loving, and caring,” Aime further reflects.   

Despite his reserved nature, Aime found joy in the camaraderie and support offered by his peers and staff members. “I have also had lots of fun with my friends and staff members on and off the site,” he says with a smile. These relationships have provided Aime with a sense of belonging and community, which he cherishes deeply. Even the cold weather, which at times dampened his spirit, could not overshadow the warmth of the connections he made and the fulfillment he found in serving others.

Looking back, Aime feels elated and grateful for the opportunity to have been part of Project Serve. The experience has not only helped him grow as an individual but also strengthened his faith and commitment to living a life of compassion and prayer. Aime’s journey with Project Serve highlights the profound impact that service and community can have on a young person’s life.

Project ServeStudent Story
September 17, 2024

Transformed By Service

My name is Mugisha Clement, and my friends and family affectionately call me “Boy.” I am a dedicated participant in Project Serve, and my youth ministry leader often selects me due to my enthusiasm and commitment to the cause. This positive feedback validates my efforts and encourages me to continue striving for excellence.

Project Serve has become more than just a program for me; it has been a life-changing experience that has shaped my skills, relationships, and faith. Through this initiative, I have gained practical knowledge in construction and have honed my skills in systematic Bible study. The hands-on learning experience has equipped me with valuable skills that extend beyond the immediate tasks, and the Bible study sessions have deepened my understanding of scripture, allowing me to approach my faith with a more informed perspective.

Participating in the morning Bible study sessions during our outreach and demonstrating the love of Christ through the construction of houses for the vulnerable has further strengthened my spiritual life. The combination of practical service, spiritual growth, and communal living has greatly enriched my life.

Another significant aspect of Project Serve for me has been the opportunity to work and live closely with others. The shared experiences, challenges, and victories have led to deep and lasting friendships. Working and living together has provided me with the opportunity to develop meaningful and lasting relationships, for which I am thankful to Hagari Rwanda for facilitating through Project Serve.

Through Hagari Rwanda, I have gained a renewed appreciation for my homeland by being exposed to different parts of Rwanda during the outreach, which has opened my eyes to the beauty of Rwanda’s countryside.

“Clement’s journey with Project Serve is a testament to the lasting impact that the program has on its participants. Through learning new skills, building deep friendships, and growing in faith, Clement has been transformed into a more capable and committed individual, ready to serve both his community and God.” – Siabo Solomon, Youth Ministry Leader.

Student Story
September 3, 2024

An Academic Journey of Excellence

Munezero Uwase, affectionately known as Happy by her peers and acquaintances, is currently a student in senior two and a beneficiary of the Hagari Rwanda student partnership program. She is an exemplary model student. The Ministry has witnessed Happy make remarkable progress, improving her grades from 50% to now consistently scoring in the range of 70 – 80%. Her hard work, and determination, alongside support from Hagari staff, have been commendable. Ms. Doreen, the social worker assigned to her, is fond of Happy, as she never causes any trouble, and her academic trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. When asked about the secret to her academic improvement, Happy humbly attributes it to effective time management, unwavering dedication, and God’s grace. Her pride in her accomplishments is evident, and she is determined to maintain her upward trajectory.

As a reward for her exceptional performance, Happy’s mother surprised her with a beautiful dress. Ms. Doreen, moved by her achievements, gifted her a pair of stylish sneakers. These tokens of appreciation serve as tangible reminders of her hard work and success. Hagari Rwanda’s support extends beyond financial assistance. By covering Happy’s tuition and health insurance, the organization provides a solid foundation for her education. Moreover, the guidance and moral support offered by Hagari Rwanda staff has been instrumental in keeping Happy focused and motivated.

Happy’s story is a ray of hope, demonstrating that with faith, perseverance, and the right support, young people can overcome challenges and achieve extraordinary results.