For 15-year-old Patrick Shema, a scholarship from BPR Foundation has opened a path to secondary school that might otherwise have been out of reach, thus keeping alive his dream of becoming a doctor.
Shema, who lives in Ndera Sector, Gasabo District, is among 50 students selected for the bank’s new BPR Scholars Program after scoring 92 per cent in his Primary Leaving Examinations. His family, which relies mainly on casual labour, had struggled to meet his school needs and feared that secondary education could become unaffordable.
A scholarship keeps Shema’s dream alive
The program, launched on September 4 through the BPR Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), will support 25 boys and 25 girls from different districts throughout secondary school, from Senior One to Senior Six.
The scholars will receive essential school requirements as well as mentorship to support their academic and personal development, life skills and future career decisions, according to the partners.
Shema said financial difficulties had threatened his education despite his strong performance.
"I graduated from primary school against all odds,” he said. "I was determined, and I’m happy that God has responded to our prayers. I’ll study hard, and I aspire to become a doctor.”
His mother, Vestine Mukeshimana, said the scholarship had eased the family’s uncertainty about his education.
"We’ve had sleepless nights for so long thinking about how he’ll continue with his studies,” said Vestine Mukeshimana, a mother to Shema. "We can’t thank BPR enough and I’m over the moon for the opportunity given to my son.”
Supporting students beyond school fees
The BPR Scholars Program is intended to address financial and socio-economic barriers that can prevent vulnerable students from accessing, remaining in and completing secondary education.
Vincent Ngirikiringo, Chief Financial Officer at BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, said the bank wants to provide sustained support rather than only meeting immediate school needs.
"At BPR Bank, we believe that every young person deserves an opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background,” he said.
"Through the BPR Scholars Program, we are making a long-term commitment to support these young Rwandans throughout their secondary education journey, from Senior One to Senior Six. We want to remove financial barriers while also providing the guidance and support they need to thrive.”
Ngirikiringo said the bank and its partners plan to add more beneficiaries each year, expanding the program’s reach over time.
Mentorship will be a key component, with scholars receiving guidance on goal setting, personal development, life skills and future opportunities.
"Through regular engagement with mentors, scholars will receive guidance on goal setting, personal development, life skills and future opportunities, helping them prepare for further education, employment and meaningful contribution to their communities,” he said.
"We believe that creating lasting impact requires more than providing financial assistance. We want to walk alongside these young people throughout their secondary education journey and give them the guidance, encouragement and exposure they need to realise their potential. Our ambition is for this program to create an impact that extends well beyond the classroom,” he added.
The BPR Foundation, established in 2018, focuses on education and enterprise development as part of the bank’s wider community investment efforts.
MINEDUC partnership to support program implementation
The bank said that the partnership with MINEDUC is central to the program’s implementation, with the Ministry supporting the identification and selection of eligible beneficiaries and providing guidance to ensure alignment with national education priorities.
Eric Niyongabo, from MINEDUC, said the partnership would help vulnerable students remain in school and complete their education.
"Initiatives such as the BPR Scholars Program are important in helping address barriers that prevent vulnerable and deserving students from continuing their education. We look forward to working closely with BPR Bank to ensure that the beneficiaries receive the support they need to remain in school, perform well and progress in their education,” he said.
"The BPR Scholars Program contributes to the continued efforts to improve access to and completion of secondary education in Rwanda. By supporting scholars from S1 through S6, BPR Bank seeks to contribute to improved retention, transition and completion, while equipping young people with the skills and confidence to pursue further education and future career opportunities.”
Ngirikiringo said the bank hopes the program will produce benefits beyond academic achievement.
"Our hope is that the BPR Scholars will not only succeed academically, but also grow into confident, capable and responsible young people who can contribute meaningfully to their families, communities and Rwanda’s future. This is the kind of lasting impact we want to create through our Foundation programs.”