More than 150 high school students and over 26 educators from East and Southern African regions are meeting at Gashora Girls School in Bugesera District where they are being trained on how to apply to the US and other international universities. Dubbed the Yale Young African Scholars Educators’ Conference, the exercise is part of a conference, which kicked off on July 29 and ends on August 7 aimed at enlightening educators and students on opportunities of studying abroad. It is organised in partnership with Imbuto Foundation, Yale University, Higher Life Foundation and Education Matters. The third Yale Young African Scholars Educators’ Conference that took place on August 4 and 5 seeks to engage high school students by assisting them in preparing applications to America’s and other internationally based universities. Currently, there are 69 students on YYAS programme, 38 recently graduated from secondary school and obtained admission to leading universities in the US, Canada, Ghana, and Rwanda. The other 31 students are set to join their final year of secondary school. According to Theogene Hagenimana, the Deputy Head of School in charge of studies at Fawe Girls School, the seminar is an ideal platform on sharing how educators can guide students on their career and joining best international universities. “There is need of scaling up career guidance scheme so as to help students make best choices based on their passion and not on other misguiding targets but this is being tried only in excellent schools. It is in the same vein that we are learning how to help students apply for universities and recommend them on what documents they need,” he said. Patrick Rugamba, a senior five student at Agahozo Shalom, said that the training on application process and requirements is timely since he plans to apply for a scholarship to study business management in one of the leading international universities. “About 2,000 students applied to attend this training but only less than 200 were admitted, which means it is a great opportunity for me to gain skills on how to join global universities. We have been equipped with knowledge on writing essays, doing USA standard exams, and how to apply for those universities,” he said. He added that: “I have also become aware that when a student fails to pay the money required during the application process, there is a financial aid which is provided after assessing one’s financial situation”. Kubaho Heaven, a senior five student at IPRC-Kigali, said that the training will prepare him for future leadership roles. “We are also gaining leadership skills, public speaking and others,” he said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
