Mount Kigali University Chairman Prof Simon Gicharu pledges institution’s support to more education initiatives in the future
Mount Kigali University is committed to supporting education, its Board of Directors Chairman, Prof Simon Gicharu, has asserted. He pledged so on Wednesday at the university campus, while presenting a cheque of Rwf 50 million to Imbuto Foundation in support of education.
This amount is a donation towards the ongoing construction and equipping of a model ECD Centre in Masaka. The foundation and the university are collaborating on this project.
Prof Gicharu handed the cheque to the Imbuto Foundation Director General, Mrs Elodie Shami, who lauded the longstanding partnership with the university.
Mrs. Shami pointed out that investing in early childhood development creates a domino effect.
She explained: “More people are beginning to understand the importance of investing in those first 1,000 days of a kid, really maximizing on brain development, maximizing on also educating the parents about nutrition, hygiene – all the elements that go into really raising thriving citizens.”
The Imbuto Foundation DG added: “As you all know, the foundation invests quite a bit in the education of young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
In 2018, Mount Kigali University (then known as Mount Kenya University Rwanda), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Imbuto Foundation. The two partners in the education and empowerment of Rwanda’s youth renewed the MoU in 2022.
The model Masaka ECD Centre that is nearing completion is the latest project the two institutions are collaborating on.
Prof. Gicharu termed the university’s contribution to the model ECD Centre construction as more than just a donation. He described providing children with the opportunity to receive quality education from the earliest stages of life as “an investment in the future of Rwanda’s children and their educational journey.”
He assured the Imbuto Foundation that this contribution was only “a part of our long-term strategy to make a lasting impact.”
Mount Kigali University Vice-chancellor Dr. Martin Kimemia revealed that the institution plans to launch a Bachelor of Education in ECD. He said as continuous professional development for teachers gains ground, the university doesn’t want to leave ECD teachers behind.
“We want them also to be included,” said Dr. Kimemia.
The Imbuto DG praised Mount Kigali University for establishing Kigali Paramount Hotel to boost the training of its hospitality and tourism students.
Mrs. Shami referred to the hotel as “one of the very few examples in this country where we see private institutions investing directly in their students towards their industry. So, you’re really ensuring that you’re producing quality workers who are ready for that workplace.
Talking about Mount Kigali University’s contribution towards Imbuto Foundation scholarships under the Edified Generation program, Mrs. Shami said they are “happy to report that the education 100 of the 810 students in this scholarship fund, is made possible because of such contributions. So, that is no small feat. And thank you for having been there, for continuing to be there, and we look forward to continuing empowering generations of students through this program.
Thanking the DG, Prof. Gicharu said: “The work of Imbuto Foundation in supporting underprivileged children, particularly in promoting education for the girl child, is commendable. Their dedication to empowering young learners and ensuring they have access to education aligns with our values, and we are proud to be part of this impactful journey.”
He cited the inspiring case of a young woman supported by the foundation who has completed her degree at Mount Kenya University and is now pursuing her master’s degree.