In August this year, operations of 57 schools were suspended, but they were later reopened after fulfilling requirements. Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare (GSOB) was among those schools.

Being one of the oldest secondary schools in Rwanda it caused speculation; many people said that the school had other issues, not hygiene, and that the students were unruly, among other things.

It didn’t help that this happened not too long after students complained about hefty fees. The issue called for immediate attention and the administration was put on pressure, and later, replaced — something unusual.

However, I am not talking about the replacement saga, but the impact it had on the school and the students. It was sad to lose our principal but at the same time, it brought about the change we echoed as students.

With the arrival of the new administration, we expected a tough disciplinarian, on the contrary, we received a very friendly principal.

Just two days after settling in, we felt and saw their impact. The new head of discipline brought an end to the disorganisation all over the school, in the cafeteria, school compound, within students and even within the administration.

In just two days, everything within the school was rehabilitated, including the mindset of students, and cleanliness that we actually thought was impossible to regain.

In life, the word ‘impossible’ should only be used by a ‘doubting Thomas’ —just because you do not see a way out does not mean it’s not there.

Some people said the school was damaged beyond repair. But under the new administration, I see the school slowly but surely rebuilding its reputation and getting back its former glory. I am not exaggerating when I say that the new administration brought the changes we all wished for.

The writer is an S6 PCM student at Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare (GSOB)