Anne Niyomubyeyi

Alumna ’15, Receptionist at Garr Apartments

It was not easy for someone like me who has finished secondary school to join other institutions without a scholarship from the government. It requires a lot of money and so many things because private institutions are very expensive. I was not able to join these schools.

I felt I could join Akilah because they opened the door for me to continue my studies. When I try to compare Akilah with other institutions, it’s so different. Akilah follows up on us and shows us how to use computers to improve and stay up-to-date on everything. Other students in different institutions are left on their own to find out how to succeed. At Akilah, they collaborate with us. Akilah does not give up on you because you have graduated. They are still there. You can ask for advice on so many things.

Before joining Akilah, I taught mathematics in primary school for one year. I learned teaching skills and psychology from my colleagues. When I joined Akilah, I applied my teaching skills to help fellow students. I was described as “the teacher” because when I understood things very well, I explained them to others so that they would also understand. I practiced, revised my subjects, did research, and made sure I understood everything. So when the teacher asked a question, I was able to answer everything. The teacher would then tell the students that if they did not understand, they could approach me to get additional information.

Anne has assumed more responsibilities in her household since graduating

Since graduating from Akilah, I now know that I have to be competitive in terms of applying for different jobs, and I know that I am competitive with the students from other institutions. I’ve also learned about teamwork. If I’m in a team, like in my family, I know that this is my team. I know that we have to work together. Akilah taught us to collaborate and connect with each other. I learned that I have to ask for help if it’s necessary because no one is perfect. No one is an island, so we have to collaborate with neighbors, family members, and others.

I believe that we don’t have to do everything for our own interests. There are so many people who need us. I feel like I can help and support my family, the community, and people around me. Akilah showed me how to live by example and how to behave like a future leader because many people look at us and learn from us. There is a bright future for women in Rwanda. When we build our skills, we need to use what we have learned to develop our families and our communities.