THE FIRST STAND WITH STUDENTS GRAD IN RWANDA

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." -Isaiah 43:18-19. 

We are celebrating Stephanie, one of the very first students to join the Stand with Students program at our Rwandan partnership!

Stephanie just graduated with a bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Tourism, and Management from Mt. Kenya University in Kigali. She joined the Lahash Stand with Students program in 2019 while in high school. Over the years, our partners in Rwanda have walked alongside her, providing mentorship and her school needs through the program.



Stephanie (second from left) with other Lahash students in front of her university. 

"Growing up, I never thought I would graduate from university like everyone else because life was very difficult. Being raised by a single parent made my journey even more challenging," shared Stephanie.

"But today, on my graduation day, I am filled with joy because my dream has come true thanks to SWS at Lahash!"

This first university graduation from Stand with Students in Rwanda is very important! As we all know,  Rwanda is very unique in the East African region, especially because, unlike other East African countries, Rwanda is continuing to grapple with the long-term legacy of the 1994 genocide. And a majority, if not all, of the kids we serve in Rwanda are affected in some way. 

Stephanie's graduation is a beautiful manifestation of the work of God in remembering and uplifting the vulnerable kids we serve in Rwanda. She is the pioneer in this group of students, paving the way for many university graduations that will come thereafter in the Stand With Students Rwanda program.

"Through the program, I never lacked tuition or school fees, and my tuition was always paid on time; I received my school supplies on time and always had transportation," she said.

"Because of that, I was able to achieve good grades in both high school and university. I am truly grateful."

Stephanie's dream is to launch her own tourism company in Kigali. Her vision is to welcome the world into her country's beauty and rich heritage. She hopes that her business will run services such as wildlife and nature safaris, cultural experiences, Kigali city tours, and corporate retreat services.

As if this season was not already full for her, especially with her graduation, Stephanie will also be getting married this month! Again, she will also be a trailblazer for all our alums in this area, becoming the first to have an official church-led wedding ceremony!

Make a life-changing impact for a Stand with Students scholar like Stephanie! Visit HERE to give towards the program or email [email protected] to start sponsoring a high school student.

Saggiah Wright is the Director of The Stand With Students (SWS) program. This program exists to empower young people in East Africa to break the cycle of poverty through mentorship, education, and faith.