Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) and Sport4Change Foundation on Wednesday, October 28, signed memoranda of understanding with five schools as part of efforts to boost girls’ participation in basketball across the country. The signing ceremony, held at BK Arena, formalised the partnership between the two organisations and the selected schools under the pilot phase of the Basketball for Girls in Schools Programme, which runs from 2026 to 2030. The initiative aims to expand opportunities for girls to play basketball while promoting personal development through sport. Following the programme’s launch in January 2026, Sport4Change Foundation and FERWABA conducted technical visits to assess schools’ readiness, facilities and capacity to implement the initiative. Five schools were subsequently selected for the pilot phase, which will test the programme’s implementation model, generate lessons and lay the groundwork for a wider national rollout. The selected schools are Lycée Notre Dame de Cîteaux in Nyarugenge District, Kigali; Maranyundo Girls Secondary School in Bugesera District, Eastern Province; École Secondaire Saint Vincent Muhoza in Musanze District, Northern Province; GS Mère du Verbe–Kibeho in Nyaruguru District, Southern Province; and Institut Ste Famille–Nyamasheke in Nyamasheke District, Western Province. Under the agreements, the schools will work with Sport4Change Foundation and FERWABA to organise structured basketball training, encourage girls’ participation in sport, provide access to appropriate facilities and create safe, inclusive learning environments. ALSO READ: New girls' basketball programme to benefit 30 schools The pilot phase will accommodate up to 20 registered female students at each school, potentially benefiting 100 girls across the five institutions. Participants will receive basketball training, life-skills education, mentorship and support in well-being and gender inclusion. The programme will also create opportunities to identify talented players and help them progress to basketball clubs and other competitive levels. FIBA Foundation backs initiative The programme has also secured support from the FIBA Foundation through its global Basketball for Good initiative, which uses basketball to drive positive social change. Under an agreement with Sport4Change Foundation, the FIBA Foundation has committed financial assistance, Molten basketballs and PEAK uniforms to support the programme. At Wednesday’s ceremony, each of the five schools was scheduled to receive 16 basketballs, bringing the total to 80. The schools are also expected to receive PEAK uniforms as part of the equipment support package. According to Sport4Change Foundation, the partnership with the FIBA Foundation is also expected to provide mentorship and guidance between August and December 2026. The support is intended to strengthen implementation and improve girls’ access to the equipment and resources needed to participate in school basketball activities. Through the initiative, the partners aim to establish a sustainable, school-based basketball development model that encourages girls’ participation while building confidence, teamwork, leadership and other personal skills. Lessons from the pilot phase will help guide the programme’s planned expansion, with the long-term goal of reaching up to 30 all-girls schools across Rwanda between 2026 and 2030.
