The Belief Behind Study in Rwanda
Study in Rwanda was born out of a strong belief that Rwanda could emerge as a global hub for education despite the challenges of its past. When Gakwandi Claude founded the program in 2017, there was skepticism about Rwanda's ability to accommodate international students. Many doubted the country’s readiness to offer africa-class education, with limited infrastructure and little recognition globally. However, Gawande's vision was rooted in determination and faith in Rwanda’s potential following the vision our top leader's who inspired him to create Study in Rwanda.
With no initial capital, no funding, and no significant investment, Study in Rwanda began as a bold idea, driven by a mission to promote Rwanda as an academic destination. Starting from scratch, the program relied on tireless efforts to connect with international universities, build networks, and showcase Rwanda’s untapped opportunities.Gakwandi organized university fairs and tirelessly worked with local stakeholders to highlight Rwanda’s safety, rich culture, and the government’s commitment to education as key selling points.
Today, Study in Rwanda stands as a testament to the power of vision and resilience. It has successfully brought in numerous international students who now live and study in Rwanda, contributing to the country’s growing reputation as an education hub. These students have not only embraced Rwanda’s academic opportunities but also become ambassadors of its transformative story.
The journey of Study in Rwanda exemplifies how a lack of resources can be overcome with belief, hard work, and strategic partnerships. It is now a source of national pride, proving that Rwanda can indeed accommodate and nurture international talent. As it continues to grow, Study in Rwanda remains grateful for its humble beginnings and is committed to driving Rwanda’s vision of becoming a beacon for global education.
Challenges Faced by Study in Rwanda During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for Study in Rwanda, forcing the organization to navigate a turbulent period marked by financial strain, operational hurdles, and shifting dynamics in global education. Over the three years of the pandemic, Study in Rwanda endured significant setbacks, including an inability to operate fully due to global travel restrictions and the closure of institutions. Recruitment activities came to a standstill, resulting in halted operations and mounting business debts.
One of the key challenges was the delay in tuition fee payments and the prolonged refund process, which created friction between stakeholders. Students and families faced financial uncertainties, while Study in Rwanda struggled to mediate and manage these delays. Furthermore, transitioning to online platforms posed significant difficulties. Many families were unprepared or unwilling to adapt to virtual communication, with some refusing to respond to emails or participate in Zoom meetings with students and advisors. This lack of engagement disrupted the flow of operations and eroded trust in the process.
Despite these challenges, Study in Rwanda, under the resilient leadership of Gakwandi Claude, maintained its commitment to supporting students. Remarkably, the organization has never charged fees or requested money from students coming to study in Rwanda, staying true to its mission of providing accessible opportunities. Gakwandi's determination to push through the hardships, even while facing mounting business debts, exemplifies the organization’s steadfast focus on its vision. He prioritized recruitment efforts across Africa, ensuring that Study in Rwanda remained a beacon of hope for students despite the challenging circumstances.
Through it all, Study in Rwanda demonstrated resilience and adaptability, embracing online remote work to sustain its operations and maintaining a positive outlook. This unwavering commitment to its mission and students reflects the organization’s enduring belief in Rwanda’s potential to remain a hub for education, even in the face of global adversity.
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