Dr Thomas Muyombo, widely known by his stage name Tom Close, has encouraged students at Kibondo Primary School to pursue their education with determination, and to believe that they can achieve more than their role models. During his visit to the school on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, as part of the “You Can Go Far Too” campaign organised by the Ministry of Education, Muyombo emphasised the importance of setting clear goals and working diligently towards them. “The world is developing at a high speed and science is at the forefront of every achievement, the future of our country is in your hands, and as future scientists you are capable of building a prosperous Rwanda.” Muyombo shared his personal experience, recounting how he was among the first group of students to take the national examination at the school, and the only one to pass out of 90 students in his grade. He attributed his success to a strong sense of purpose from an early age, stating, “We are going to choose what we want to study. I wrote ‘doctor’ on the first page, ‘doctor’ on the second page, ‘doctor’ on the third page. I had no other choice—I decided to become a doctor when I was very young. You too must have that desire in your heart. Only you can achieve it.” Muyombo revealed that his childhood dream of becoming a doctor was inspired by his mother’s struggle with chronic stomach pain. His ambition was driven by a desire to help and heal others, starting with his own family. He advised students that achieving such goals requires discipline, dedication, and perseverance, urging them to avoid absenteeism, be punctual, and maximise every educational opportunity. He further encouraged them to nurture their talents, whether in academics, music, or art, emphasising that talent, when cultivated with hard work, can be a pathway to success. “The chances you have, never take them for granted.Every chance is a stepping stone to the future of your life, avoid laziness, focus on education and work hard. Even if you come from a disadvantaged background, you can rise above it and uplift your family. There are many children countrywide today who have built prosperous lives simply because they seized the opportunities they had.” The Director of G.S Kibondo , Charles Ruhara, expressed appreciation for Muyombo’s inspiring message, noting that it would have a significant impact on students, particularly those who previously skipped school without reason. The education coordinator in the Eastern Province, Emmanuel Butera, highlighted that school dropout rates remain a challenge in the region. However, he expressed confidence that hearing success stories from former students like Muyombo would motivate current students to remain committed to their education. Kibondo School Association currently enrolls 1,335 students, including 815 in primary school and 520 in secondary school. It is located in Simbwa Cell, Kabarore Sector, Gatsibo District, and was where Muyombo once studied.
