Our Story
In 2015, we aspired to create a network of schools aimed at delivering top-notch educational experiences to underprivileged communities across Africa. Our journey began with the establishment of Elimu International Academy in Kabarondo, Rwanda—a pivotal step towards realizing our ambitious vision of transforming the educational landscape in Africa.”
How It All Started
Our Story
In 2015, we set out to create a network of schools dedicated to providing top-notch educational experiences to underprivileged communities across Africa. Our journey began with the establishment of Elimu International Academy in Kabarondo, Rwanda, marking a significant step toward realizing our ambitious vision of transforming the educational landscape in Africa. In 2016, we built two rooms and started our kindergarten. Each year, we added a room until we celebrated our first graduating class of Primary 6 in 2020.
We have partnered with international and local organizations to achieve our goals and have a vibrant board of trustees that helps us manage the school. Our efforts have made us one of the premier learning institutions in the region. We are working diligently within the local community to create a holistic positive impact. Our grand aim is to have a transformative presence in various communities across Africa, with Zambia being our current immediate target.”
the latest updates
2024 May Update
Teaching and Learning
The Lower Primary Section actively focused on thorough preparation for End of Term 2 exams. Rigorous review sessions and practice tests ensured comprehensive coverage of the curriculum, adhering to government regulations. The school’s efforts yielded commendable progress across all primary levels. Primary 1 achieved an impressive 96% score on average, Primary 2 showed notable improvement at 88%, and Primary 3 demonstrated a strong grasp of exam topics with an 80% score. Collaborative efforts of teachers, students, and parents were instrumental in these achievements.
Enhancing Student Speaking Skills
The school has been actively improving students’ speaking skills through various strategies. These include initiating speaking clubs for debates and discussions, integrating role-playing exercises into the curriculum, and recognizing vernacular speakers. Challenges include instructor resistance and the dominance of the mother tongue in Rwanda, but plans are in place to start early with confidence-building and promote bilingualism.
Future efforts will focus on enhancing public speaking skills and fostering a culture of reading to prepare students for success in modern society. Emphasis on literacy skills through reading and writing activities contributed to students’ language proficiency and critical thinking. Overall, collaborative efforts among students, teachers, and administrators have fostered a positive learning environment, leading to notable achievements across subjects and extracurricular activities
The library
The library is actively utilized by students and staff for research, study, and leisure reading. A collection of new books was added, enriching the library’s selection. We are still working on digital catalog maintenance and plans are underway to implement the Google Sheet for efficient cataloging in the upcoming month. Additionally, upcoming activities include adding school serial numbers to books for enhanced organization and promoting library services among students and staff through orientation sessions and thematic displays.
Partnership - Edify
The Faster Reading Program training conducted by Edify trainers in mid-February focused on equipping teachers with techniques to enhance reading speed and comprehension. Following the presentation, the teachers promptly proceeded to implement the newly acquired skills into practice.
Partnership – Light to the Nation
Light to the Nation organization visited Elimu School to support students’ educational and moral development, promoting an active lifestyle through sports engagement. Their visit involved various activities, including donating sports equipment, distributing biblical materials for spiritual growth and school updates, and delivering a motivational speech. The speech emphasized the significance of education, discouraging unplanned pregnancies, and pursuing aspirations, while highlighting the importance of fearing the Lord for making wise life choices
Partnership - Learning Exchange
On February 23rd, 2024, 35 Kayonza private school Headteachers, accompanied by the District Education Officer, visited Rubavu district to explore successful enrollment, inclusive education, and community engagement strategies. At Saint Jean Paul II School, they learned about effective marketing and quality education contributing to enrollment success. Ubumwe Community School showcased inclusive education practices. Discussions highlighted collaboration between private schools and government institutions in supporting vulnerable populations and community projects. The trip provided valuable insights for enhancing education quality and fostering inclusivity and community involvement
Maize harvest
In February, our maize plantation saw a harvest, marking a joyous occasion where students and staff united in celebration. Despite facing challenges such as adverse weather conditions leading to lower-than-expected yields – with only 250 kg harvested instead of the projected 400 kg. The cultivation and harvesting costs amounted to $120, below the anticipated $158. Of the harvest, 50 kg was allocated for sharing with the school community during the festivities. Presently, the remaining maize is being sold, with anticipated revenues of $155.
After completing the maize harvest, we proceeded to plant beans, anticipating a favorable yield pending weather conditions. The cultivation expenses, including upcoming harvesting costs, total $80. We expect a minimum harvest of 150 kg, with potential earnings of up to $115 upon sale.
Nurturing Our School Garden and School Environment
The school diligently monitors its vegetable garden, striving for ongoing improvement to enhance campus aesthetics and promote a healthy environment. Despite the challenges posed by unpredictable rainfall for irrigation, the recent harvest has been successful. Our Support Department maintains high hygiene standards throughout the school, ensuring cleanliness and tending to vibrant flowers and vegetables from the garden. Freshly harvested produce is used to prepare meals for our staff and students.
Sport and Gym Club: Fostering Unity and Engagement
The Sport and Gym Club had a successful and eventful month, organizing various activities that brought together students, teachers, school employees, and parents. Highlights included a friendly basketball match between students and teachers, fostering camaraderie and interaction outside the classroom. Additionally, a spirited volleyball game between school employees and parents promoted teamwork and community engagement. Participants expressed enjoyment and appreciation for these events, with plans underway for future intergroup matches and activities to further promote physical fitness, teamwork, and community engagement within the school community
Nurturing Spirituality
Throughout March, the Spiritual Formation focus group upheld its weekly prayer services, convening students and teachers every Friday following lunch. The group reiterated the significance of internalizing the word of God to steer behavior and purify the soul. Additionally, they extended support through family visits to classmates who had lost their parents
Staff dinner
In March 2024, the Finance Department successfully concluded the second term with a celebratory party, where teachers, support staff, and security personnel all contributed to the event, fostering a sense of community and appreciation within the institution.
Enhancing Community Engagement
After the January 2024 Admin Subcommittee meeting, it was resolved that Elimu would engage in small-scale community projects regularly to emphasize community involvement. A budget of 50,000 FRW (approximately 35 to 40 dollars) will be allocated bimonthly to support this initiative. The implementation commenced in April 2024 by providing assistance with mandatory health insurance payments for the underprivileged in the community.
Exciting News: Approval for GE Volunteers Event at Elimu
A GE Volunteers event is underway at Elimu, spearheaded by Nate, one of the Board of Trustees members. Set for Tuesday, August 27th, the event will focus on various tasks, including potential projects like school fencing and kitchen building. With a budget of $2,000 USD and efforts to secure additional funding, the aim is to engage the entire school community in these impactful endeavors
Extracurricular groups
Students Clubs
Gallery
01
Exercises & Sports
Thanks to the support of our generous partners we’ve developed a sports field catering to volleyball and basketball, along with a dedicated kids’ playground. These amenities serve not only our students but also stand as valuable recreational assets for children in the wider community.
02
Art & Skills
Nurturing Young Creativity: Where Every Stroke Tells a Story and Every Skill Blossoms.
03
Music & Talents
Harmonizing Dreams, Striking the Right Chords: Where Musical Talents and Artistic Talent Soar and Notes Resonate with Joy.
