12Jun2025
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Student Story

Category: Student Story

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.

Student Story
April 7, 2025

The Journey of Theogene

Theogene
Biggest Smile Ever

Before joining Inzozi Academy, Theogene, a primary four student, struggled with his academic performance. Although he was repeating the class, Theogene often pretended to understand the lessons. His confidence masked a deeper challenge—he was grappling with reading comprehension, especially in English. At his previous school, he was used to cramming information, but when faced with the level of learning at Inzozi Academy, he realized he was far behind. It was a humbling experience to see even primary two students fluently reading and speaking English, and this left him feeling unsure of his own abilities.

The turning point for Theogene came when his teachers, Mr. Oliver and Miss Fabiola, noticed his struggles. They saw his potential, despite his challenges, and decided to intervene. They provided extra help during the mornings, focusing particularly on reading comprehension. The lessons they designed were not easy; they were aimed at challenging Theogene with questions that required critical thinking and creativity. This approach forced him to engage deeply with the material, stretching his abilities and forcing him to think in new ways.

One of the key factors in Theogene’s transformation was the small-sized classroom. The personalized attention from his teachers made a huge difference. Theogene wasn’t just another face in the crowd, he was an individual whose success mattered. His teachers, Mr. Oliver and Miss Fabiola, took the time to guide him through the complexities of reading comprehension, providing him with a level of support that wouldn’t have been possible in a larger classroom setting.

Today, Theogene’s improvement is evident. His reading comprehension is improving, a feat that once seemed impossible. He stands as a testimony to the impact of caring teachers, personalized attention, and a supportive environment. Theogene’s success story is a powerful reminder that, with the right guidance and support, every student has the potential to thrive.

Impact More Students Like Theogene
Inzozi AcademyStudent Story
April 7, 2025

Shakira’s Journey: From Fear to Confidence

Impact More Students Like Shakira!

Meet Shakira, a young girl who started her first term of school feeling fearful and unsure of herself. Coming from a home where the school environment felt completely different, she found it hard to adjust. The new faces, the unfamiliar teachers, and the bustling classroom seemed overwhelming. Shakira was shy, often sitting alone, not engaging with the activities or even showing much interest in learning.

Her hesitation stemmed from a place of uncertainty — everything around her felt challenging, and the thought of learning seemed like a distant dream. She was unsure about speaking, her English skills were limited, and she found it difficult to interact with her classmates. It was clear that the school environment, though new and exciting to others, was a tough transition for Shakira.

But then, something changed. It was the caring touch of two incredible teachers, Miss Sifa and Miss Mary, that turned Shakira’s experience around. They noticed her struggle and took the time to truly understand her needs. With patience, encouragement, and a whole lot of love, they made it their mission to make Shakira feel safe and welcome in the classroom.

Through their engaging teaching methods, Shakira began to see school in a new light. Miss Sifa and Miss Mary introduced fun, hands-on activities that made learning feel like an adventure rather than a chore. Slowly but surely, Shakira’s confidence grew. She started to enjoy her lessons and actively participate in class. Her spoken English improved significantly, and she began to confidently sound out letters and pronounce words with ease.

Counting numbers, once an intimidating task, became a game for her. Each day, Shakira was more excited to come to school, and her teachers were always there, supporting her every step of the way. They didn’t just teach her the lessons on the board; they taught her how to believe in herself.

Today, Shakira is a different child. She is no longer the fearful, shy girl she once was. With the love and support of her teachers, Shakira has blossomed into a confident, eager learner who now looks forward to each school day with excitement and joy. Her journey is a testament to the power of caring educators and how a little kindness and patience can change a child’s life forever.

Shakira’s story shows us that when teachers go beyond the curriculum and truly invest in their students, incredible transformations can happen. It’s not just about learning; it’s about growing, believing in oneself, and finding a place where you truly belong. And for Shakira, that place is now school — a place where she feels loved, supported, and ready to take on the world.

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.