Case Study

Rwanda has a bold dream – to become the centre hub of technology and science for East Africa. This budding industry will not only lead to more jobs but also new wealth for its citizens. Furthermore, Rwandans educated in this field will benefit the most as they help the country advance it toward its goals.

Africa Evangelical Enterprise in Rwanda (AEE-Rwanda), founded in 1987, also shares this vision and is partnering with the local community and the Rwandan government to improve the quality of a secondary school focused on science and technology. With the government’s vision of becoming a technical hub by 2020, this project will serve as a model for other secondary schools to follow. Since students are selected without discrimination for wealth, religious or ethnic group, they are given equal opportunity to prepare for university studies.

AEE-Rwanda has a long history of achievements in the country, implementing various grassroots programmes across the country. Initiatives include partnering with health clinics to treat patients with different illnesses and supporting microfinance initiatives. Rather than promote its own agenda, AEE-Rwanda works with diverse communities to identify their needs and helps them attract funding. Its ultimate goal is to empower more community leaders to not only identify problems but also develop their own solutions.

Rilima Secondary School Expansion Project

Legatum, along with other partners, granted AEE-Rwanda US$83,000 to expand and renovate the dining hall of the Rilma Secondary School. Prior to this project, students were taking meals in three shifts resulting in more than three working hours lost every day. The project is expected to directly benefit 930 students.

Since 2008, Legatum has contributed US$127,000 to AEE-Rwanda for other projects: expansion of another Rwandan secondary school, financial capital for a microfinance institution and training for community health workers. These projects are expected to directly and indirectly impact thousands of Rwandans.

Leadership

Antonine, a native Rwandan, has led the organisation since 1994 after the past management team died in the genocide. He and his team focus on grassroots initiatives that empower communities to resolve their own problems.