Nearly 40% of children between the ages of 3 and 6 globally are not participating in Early Childhood Education. In sub-Saharan Africa, this figure rises to over 70%! (Source: UNICEF & WORLD BANK) Inzozi Academy has been our dream for more than 9 years! Our hope is to provide a quality, holistic learning environment where disadvantaged children can receive an excellent education. This not only builds dignity in the child, but also equips them to be vibrant members of their community as adults and effectively reduces the number of families living in poverty.        

In September 2022 we opened Inzozi Academy. Inzozi is the kinyarwanda word for dream. We believe that all children have God given dreams and part of our job as educators is to help children recognize the dreams and talents God has given them, nurture those dreams and talents, and then equip them to chase their dreams. With few assets we opted to begin our Preschool in a rented facility. We have fond memories of that time, but we knew God had something more in store for us.

In September 2023, we began construction on Inzozi Academy. It was like a dream going up to the site everyday and seeing how our dream was taking shape right in front of our eyes. Ok…if I am completely honest, sometimes it also felt like a nightmare! This has been a HUGE undertaking and without a very faithful group of supporters and prayer warriors Inzozi, as we know it now, could have never happened. But lo and behold, in September 2024 we opened the doors and welcomed 110 students!

We are currently in Inzozi Academy’s third year and we now have a full Preschool (3 classes) and Primary 1, 2 and 4. Our plan is to increase by at least 1 class each subsequent year until we are at capacity. With 6 classes this school year we have a Direct Impact of 110 students (up from 46 in 2022), and an indirect impact with 440 or more, as we work closely with the parents of our students and this impact trickles down to our student’s siblings as well.

As wild as this sounds, it is now time to EXPAND and ENHANCE! We are looking to build out the second floor of the classroom block, giving us an additional 6 classrooms. We also need coverage of critical operational costs including special programs, curriculum development and capacity building for our teachers. Lastly, a strip of land behind the school to enlarge our campus giving us room for a small soccer field. 

The total cost of this expansion and enhancement is $270,000. Yes, the amount is large, but the impact of these dollars is immeasurable as the school serves the community for years to come! 

Providing a quality education that focuses on developing the mind, body and soul of the child is possibly the greatest avenue in which to change a Nation. 45% of Rwandans are under the age of 18. If we want to want to make a lasting change in the youth and therefore in the future of Rwanda, there is no better time than NOW!