Let's Improve Girls' Education in Africa

Over the past three months, MindLeaps has continued to support girls from underserved communities across Rwanda, Uganda, Guinea, and Mauritania. MindLeaps helps girls overcome barriers to education through school sponsorship, vocational training, and community programs that help secondary school graduates transition to university or employment. These programs equip them with the confidence, practical skills, and knowledge needed to pursue greater independence and build brighter futures.

During this reporting period, 393 girls received support to access formal education, 88 participated in vocational training, and 37 joined MindLeaps community programs, where they strengthened their computer literacy and English communication skills.

Meet Solange Uwamahoro from Rwanda

“Education is important to me because it can help me build a better future and support myself and my family.”- Solange 

Solange Uwamahoro is an 18-year-old student from Kigali, Rwanda. She is the third of four children and was raised by her mother after her father left the family when Solange was young. The family lives together in a rented one-bedroom house that costs $ 20.38 USD per month.

Solange’s mother works hard to support the family by selling fruit and vegetables.  Her income, however, is limited and unpredictable, making it difficult to meet the family’s daily needs and the children’s educational expenses. Although Solange consistently performed well academically, her mother struggled to pay her school fees.  Solange was sometimes sent home from school because of outstanding balances.

Solange joined MindLeaps in 2018 when she was in 4th Grade and began participating in dance classes at the MindLeaps Center. After completing three months of the Dance & Data program, she was selected to receive a MindLeaps school scholarship. Since then, with the generous support of donors, MindLeaps has supported Solange’s education from Grade 4 through Grade 11, which she is currently completing. This support has enabled her to remain in school and focus on achieving her academic goals.

When Solange entered secondary school at St. Joseph Kabgayi School in Rwanda’s Southern Province, it was her first experience at a boarding school. She initially struggled with English, but through determination and perseverance, she made significant progress within two terms. By Grades 8 and 9, she had become one of the school’s highest-performing students.

Solange later continued her upper-secondary education at EFOTEK in Kigali, where she chose to study Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics. At school, Solange particularly enjoys spending time in the computer laboratory, where she practises coding and explores how technology works. She also values the friendships and sense of community she has developed with her classmates.

During this academic term, Solange achieved an impressive overall score of 79.8%. This accomplishment reflects her hard work, determination, and commitment to her education.

Solange once dreamed of becoming an astronaut. As her interest in mathematics and technology grew, her ambition evolved, and she now hopes to become a data analyst. She is determined to pursue her education to the highest level possible.

In September 2026, Solange will begin her final year of secondary school and prepare for Rwanda’s national examinations. Her goal is to achieve strong results and secure a government scholarship to attend university.

Solange’s journey demonstrates how consistent educational support can help a talented and determined student overcome financial barriers and move closer to achieving her dreams. With support from donors like you, girls like Solange can remain in school, strengthen their skills, and prepare for promising and independent futures.

MindLeaps sincerely thanks you for your generous commitment to advancing girls’ education in Africa.

Links:

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