The Akilah Institute for Women is in Bugesera/Kigali, Rwanda. With their headquarters in Tampa, FL, people that are passionate about rebuilding and restoring hope in Rwanda are focused on the inaugural class of 50 students at the Institute.
Their mission: The Akilah Institute for Women empowers young women to transform their lives by equipping them with skills, knowledge, and confidence to be leaders and entrepreneurs in Rwanda.
Below are 3 of the Akilah Institute students and their profiles. The quotes that inspire them have inspired us in this competition. If you are interested in supporting one of these 50 women, please visit www.marchgoodness.com for more information.
Student no. 1:
Name: Aniti Umutoni
Age: 21
Hobbies: Singing, dancing, traveling and reading novels
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
The superpower I would want is the strength to believe in myself and to be empowered with my family, my teachers, and my colleagues. If I am confident and empowered, I will have superpower which will make me a superhero.
Why did you become a student at Akilah?
I became a student at Akilah because Akilah offered courses in subjects that are really important in Rwanda.
Why do you want to learn about Hospitality? Why is hospitality important in Rwanda?
I want to learn about hospitality to upgrade my education and prepare for my future. It is important in Rwanda to learn about hospitality because we need professionalism in hospitality, competition in the market so that we can offer the best tourism services to help develop Rwanda.
What is your favorite quote?
“Yes we can.” — Barack Obama
“I have a dream.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
“The Just shall live by faith.” — Jesus
“Go forward without looking behind.”— Rwigyeme Gisa Fred
What are your dreams for the future?
I want to be a very important woman to my family, my society, my nation and all over the world.
I want to have the opportunity to show my potential in what I have learned so far at Akilah.
With all I will gain at Akilah, I will help people from my village to innovate and create their own jobs.
Student no. 2:
Name: Donavine Nijyimbere
Age: 21
Hobbies: I like music and singing.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
I would like to be a superhero that helps people who are powerless, because when I see those people, I feel bad and want to share with them what I have.
Why did you become a student at Akilah?
I joined Akilah because I like the courses that are in this institute like Hospitality and Leadership.
Why do you want to learn about Hospitality? Why is hospitality important in Rwanda?
I am interested in the field of hospitality. I want to learn how to welcome people, how to provide service, and how to help develop the country through the hospitality industry. Hospitality is very important in Rwanda because we have the potential to be a very big tourist location but we don’t have enough people to develop the industry.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is from Barack Obama. He usually says, “Yes we can.” For me, “yes” means that we must accept what we feel and “we can” means that we must operate what we plan.
What are your dreams for the future?
My dream is to learn about hospitality so in the future, I can become a good servant of my country.
Student no. 3:
Name: Justine Uwera
Age: 21
Hobbies: I like to sing dance and play sports.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
I want to be a superhero that helps people who live in bad conditions.
Why did you become a student at Akilah?
I became a student at Akilah because in my heart, I had a dream to learn about hospitality and tourism. Akilah accepted me and now I can follow my dreams.
Why do you want to learn about Hospitality? Why is hospitality important in Rwanda?
For me, hospitality is important in Rwanda because it is an industry that will help the country make a lot of money and grow. Rwanda needs many people who have training and experience in the hospitality industry, which is why I am happy to study at Akilah.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is from the First Lady of Rwanda who says, “Take all the children as your own.”
What are your dreams for the future?
My dreams for the future are to be a woman who helps poor people and orphans who have problems in their lives. I also want to be a businesswoman who knows how to work well in the hospitality industry.
Thank you for reviewing the profiles of these three talented young survivors of the Rwandan genocide. Let’s make ensure they stay in school.
Donate before Tuesday, April 6, 11:59PM ET.
