1000 Hills Rugby proudly announces the official launch of the Rugby for Education and Employability program, a groundbreaking initiative supported by the Sport for Education and Sustainable Livelihood in Africa (SESLA) Initiative created through a partnership between the AFD, IOC and Laureus.
This initiative aims to harness the power of rugby to improve education, life skills, and career opportunities for young people in The City of Kigali, Kicukiro District.
This initiative aims to harness the power of rugby to improve education, life skills, and career opportunities for young people in The City of Kigali, Kicukiro District.
As part of our ongoing mission to use sport as a tool for social development, last Sunday 16 February 2025 1000 Hills Rugby brought together over 45 parents of the selected young boys and Girls in The Education Program at the Don Bosco Hospitality Center Kigali, to introduce them to this transformative program.
The event was crucial in ensuring parental engagement, conducting initial screening, and obtaining consent to fully integrate young players into the program.
During the event, parents shared moving testimonials about how 1000 Hills Rugby has positively impacted their children’s lives.
Many parents reported improvements in their children's discipline, academic focus, and self-confidence since joining. This feedback reaffirms our commitment to fostering holistic development on and off the field.
The event was crucial in ensuring parental engagement, conducting initial screening, and obtaining consent to fully integrate young players into the program.
During the event, parents shared moving testimonials about how 1000 Hills Rugby has positively impacted their children’s lives.
Many parents reported improvements in their children's discipline, academic focus, and self-confidence since joining. This feedback reaffirms our commitment to fostering holistic development on and off the field.
Beyond rugby skills, our young athletes cultivate essential qualities such as teamwork, resilience, and leadership, equipping them with valuable competencies that extend into their academic and professional lives.
A major component of the Rugby for Education and Employability program is our commitment to educational support. In 2025, we will provide school fees and learning materials for 65 students 35 girls and 30 boys across primary and secondary schools. Recognizing the additional challenges faced by young girls, the program will also provide free sanitary pads every month. This initiative aligns with our goal of promoting gender equity in both sports and education.
To ensure full transparency and understanding of the program, key discussions were led by members of our leadership team:
• JeanSauveur Singizwa set the stage with opening remarks.
• Jimy Mugabo provided a comprehensive introduction to the Rugby for Education and Employability program, detailing its structure and expected impact.
• Kuneshanukwayo Shalom, Gasengayire Jackeline, and JD Nsengimana led a critical discussion on child protection and safeguarding, highlighting our commitment to the well-being of every child.
• Serge Shema delivered an inspiring address emphasizing the Organization's vision and collective responsibility in driving positive change.
• The event was expertly moderated by Dominique Savio Niyonzima, ensuring a smooth and engaging dialogue between parents and program facilitators.
A major component of the Rugby for Education and Employability program is our commitment to educational support. In 2025, we will provide school fees and learning materials for 65 students 35 girls and 30 boys across primary and secondary schools. Recognizing the additional challenges faced by young girls, the program will also provide free sanitary pads every month. This initiative aligns with our goal of promoting gender equity in both sports and education.
To ensure full transparency and understanding of the program, key discussions were led by members of our leadership team:
• JeanSauveur Singizwa set the stage with opening remarks.
• Jimy Mugabo provided a comprehensive introduction to the Rugby for Education and Employability program, detailing its structure and expected impact.
• Kuneshanukwayo Shalom, Gasengayire Jackeline, and JD Nsengimana led a critical discussion on child protection and safeguarding, highlighting our commitment to the well-being of every child.
• Serge Shema delivered an inspiring address emphasizing the Organization's vision and collective responsibility in driving positive change.
• The event was expertly moderated by Dominique Savio Niyonzima, ensuring a smooth and engaging dialogue between parents and program facilitators.
This program is part of a larger pan-African initiative led by Laureus, which recently announced the inclusion of 1000 Hills Rugby among 14 grantees selected for the SESLA Programme. This collaboration focuses on equipping youth with essential skills and opportunities that enhance their education and employability prospects through sports-based learning.
Laureus’ support strengthens our ability to provide structured career development pathways, mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives that prepare young people for future careers in various fields, including IT, Art, manufacturing, creative, and technical sectors.
As we embark on this ambitious program supporting 65 young boys and girls beneficiaries, the enthusiasm and commitment shown at Sunday's launch event set the tone for the impactful year ahead. The support from parents, volunteers, coaches, and community members fuels our drive to continue using rugby as a powerful vehicle for change.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our stakeholders, particularly the AFD, IOC and Laureus, for their invaluable partnership.
Laureus’ support strengthens our ability to provide structured career development pathways, mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives that prepare young people for future careers in various fields, including IT, Art, manufacturing, creative, and technical sectors.
As we embark on this ambitious program supporting 65 young boys and girls beneficiaries, the enthusiasm and commitment shown at Sunday's launch event set the tone for the impactful year ahead. The support from parents, volunteers, coaches, and community members fuels our drive to continue using rugby as a powerful vehicle for change.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our stakeholders, particularly the AFD, IOC and Laureus, for their invaluable partnership.