Education Scholarships for Youth – Rwanda

Fuse Change, girls scholarship program aims to advance girls education opportunities through provision of scholarships to students – who passed the primary school national examination with the highest scores, but are unable to attend the secondary schools due to lack of financial resources and or comes from low income families who cannot afford to send their children to a boarding school ( most of public secondary schools are boarding schools). 

These schools provide a competitive academic and learning environment that propel students to excel academically, and an opportunity to reach their full potential in life. 

Why the girls scholarship program: Program’s objectives:

1. Provide scholarships to cover tuition fees ( paid directly to schools), school supplies, uniforms, and other related costs, ensuring that girls from low income families have the opportunity to pursue their secondary school education without the burden of financial stress.
2. Reduce dropout rates: economic hardships often lead to high dropout rates among girls especially in secondary and tertiary education. ( add unesco data) according to a UNESCO report, in Rwanda, 78% of girls complete their primary schools, but only 38% complete the secondary and tertiary education levels. While there are myriad reasons for dropouts, lack of financial means contribute a significant portion to the dropouts rates.
3. Promote gender equality: by specifically targeting girls, this program will continue to address the gender disparities in education access and achievement. Educated girls are more likely to advocate for their rights, break the cycle of poverty and contribute to a more equitable society, and become future leaders. 
4. Foster economic growth in the long run. A well educated female population is essential for economic growth. This program will contribute to human resource development, enabling girls to complete their education and contribute to a more skilled and productive workforce; to drive innovation, increase productivity and overall country’s competitiveness of Rwanda on a global scale.

What’s the impact?

We reduce dropout rates due to economic hardships that often lead to high dropout rates among girls, especially in secondary and tertiary education.  78% of girls complete their primary schools, but only 38% complete the secondary and tertiary education levels. Lack of financial means contribute a significant portion to the dropouts rates.

The goal

Promote gender equality: by specifically targeting girls, this program will continue to address the gender disparities in education access and achievement. Educated girls are more likely to advocate for their rights, break the cycle of poverty and contribute to a more equitable society, and become future leaders.

1. Foster economic growth in the long run. A well educated female population is essential for economic growth. This program will contribute to human resource development, enabling girls to complete their education and contribute to a more skilled and productive workforce; to drive innovation, increase productivity and overall country’s competitiveness of Rwanda on a global scale.

Estimated costs: 

According to the Ministry of Education in Rwanda, the tuition fees for secondary schools has been capped to $85 per student per term ( three months). This was an effort to ease the financial burden for low income families. However, this amount cannot be afforded by many families that earn less than $1000 per year. 

Program roll out:

The first cohort launched during the academic year 2024-25.

1. Work with Gahanga primary school administrators three girls who passed the national examination test with the highest scores, from low income families. 
2. Students completed an application, including a personal statement.
3. Connect with students and parents as a part of the screening process.
4. Review students academic scores

In September, the program enrolled three girls from Gahanga Primary school to secondary schools. ( add girls stories and photos)

In addition to financial support, we will provide an ongoing mentorship program to support students in their academic performance and overall achievement in this journey. This includes:

1. Schedule at least a monthly check in with students to learn about their progress or challenges that might impact a student’s overall performance. 
2. Create a network of local mentors to share their lived experiences to inspire the girls and help them to navigate their paths. 
3. Create a cohort meet up during summer break to learn from each other and share their experiences and dreams. 

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