International Women’s Day!
This March, the Maranyundo community gathered for a special Open House event to celebrate the ongoing progress and exciting developments at the school. With great enthusiasm, Sister Eugenia, the program lead, shared details about the groundbreaking Maranyundo Teaching and Learning Center (MTLC), which is set to become a hub for innovation and excellence in education.
Empowering the Future of Education
Sister Eugenia began by highlighting the central mission of the MTLC: "The MTLC is committed to empowering educators and educational stakeholders with digital skills, innovative teaching methodologies, and the integration of ICT in education, ensuring quality learning results." The facility will play a critical role in transforming the educational experience at MGS, preparing educators for the future of education!
MTLC Progress
The MTLC’s design includes cutting-edge facilities such as a computer science lab, a makerspace, seminar rooms, and an auditorium. These spaces will provide students with the tools and resources they need to thrive in an increasingly digital and technology-driven world. In an exciting development, the center is also supported by a partnership with Rwanda’s Ministry of Education and the Rwandan Education Board.
A Journey Towards Completion
Some major updates on the MTLC were shared during the event. The goal was to have the building finished by 2025. The project was initially supported by $1.4 million in funding for construction along with a USAID granrt that covered the essential equipment, including computers, smartboards, projectors, internet infrastructure, and furnishings.
Impact of USAID Grant Termination
However, the recent termination of USAID funding has posed a significant challenge for the project. Executive Director, Jessi Smolow, expressed how “the termination of the USAID funding has been devastating for Maranyundo because we were so close to the finish line." Despite this setback, the team is determined to continue moving forward and is actively seeking partnerships and funding opportunities to bring the MTLC to life. The hope is to collaborate with supporters who share the vision of transforming education for young women in Rwanda.
A Student Perspective: Passion, Innovation, and Ambition
The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Shantel, an alumna of Maranyundo Girls School (Class of 2012). Shantel engaged two current grade 11 students, Linda Mugisha and Grace Abijuru, in a lively conversation about their experiences at MGS and their aspirations for the future.
Grace Abijuru (Left) and Linda Mugisha (Right)
Linda, the Assistant Head Girl at MGS, shared her passion for physics, math, and chemistry. She is an active participant in the Art and Design Club, where she uses creativity and innovation to enhance the school’s beauty for visitors. Linda is also involved in the Media Club, where she contributes by writing magazines for the school. Her ambitions are focused on interior design, and she hopes to attend the Rhode Island School of Design to further her education and research in this field.
Grace, equally passionate about physics, math, and chemistry, spoke about her gratitude for the school’s library and the opportunities it has provided. She is deeply involved in the Makerspace, where she led her team to become the first runner-up in the First Lego League competitions. Grace’s dream is to pursue further studies in physics or electrical engineering, and she is considering universities such as Tufts University and Wellesley College.
Both Linda and Grace also shared details of exciting projects they have been involved in. Linda described a project where she and her team are working to make solar panels using CDs, a creative way to learn about renewable energy. Grace reflected on a project focused on solving the problem of electrical outages, where her team developed a prototype. "I was happy to do it because it was aligning with everything I was studying in class, and I got to actually apply it," she said.
Looking Ahead
The Open House at Maranyundo Girls School was a testament to the incredible potential of the MTLC and the talented students who are part of the school’s community. With the goal of creating a state-of-the-art educational center, the Maranyundo team is committed to providing young women with the tools and opportunities they need to excel academically and professionally.
As the project moves forward, the school is looking for additional support from partners and donors to help bring the MTLC to fruition. With the shared vision of empowering the next generation of women leaders, Maranyundo Girls School is going to make a lasting impact on the educational landscape in Rwanda and beyond.
