This Tuesday morning, the 1000 Hills Rugby had the privilege of hosting a delegation from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), led by Country Director Arthur Germond, alongside Semana Jean and Jean Robert. The meeting focused on introductions and discussions regarding the ongoing SESLA program, which supports education, community engagement, and employability initiatives.
In 2025, 1000 Hills Rugby was honored to be selected as a SESLA grantee, receiving support and funding for our initiatives aimed at empowering young people through education and rugby. During the meeting, Arthur Germond introduced the AFD team and their broader mission in Rwanda, emphasizing their support for sustainable growth in health, vocational training, and climate initiatives. He highlighted AFD’s role in bringing experts to assist ongoing projects, ensuring long-term sustainability, particularly in collaboration with Kigali City’s climate initiatives.
In 2025, 1000 Hills Rugby was honored to be selected as a SESLA grantee, receiving support and funding for our initiatives aimed at empowering young people through education and rugby. During the meeting, Arthur Germond introduced the AFD team and their broader mission in Rwanda, emphasizing their support for sustainable growth in health, vocational training, and climate initiatives. He highlighted AFD’s role in bringing experts to assist ongoing projects, ensuring long-term sustainability, particularly in collaboration with Kigali City’s climate initiatives.
Jean Semana further elaborated on AFD's commitment to education and sports development, referencing key programs such as TVET After 1 in Rulindo District, TVET After 2 in Kitabi Karongi District, and the Isonga Sport Project, which nurtures young talents across 15 districts.
Through SESLA funding, 1000 Hills Rugby is committed to supporting 65 beneficiaries 35 girls and 30 boys by covering school fees, providing educational equipment, and offering after-school coaching. The program also includes workshops and training to equip youth with technical skills, preparing them for employment and fostering community engagement and social transformation.
Through SESLA funding, 1000 Hills Rugby is committed to supporting 65 beneficiaries 35 girls and 30 boys by covering school fees, providing educational equipment, and offering after-school coaching. The program also includes workshops and training to equip youth with technical skills, preparing them for employment and fostering community engagement and social transformation.
Looking ahead, we aim to expand our partnership with AFD to develop rugby tourism, enhance education programs, and deliver job readiness training and workshops, ultimately reaching more communities across Rwanda.
The meeting was highly productive, reinforcing our shared commitment to using rugby as a tool for education, employment, and social change. We sincerely appreciate AFD’s visit and their ongoing support, along with the invaluable contributions of the IOC and Laureus through the SESLA program. Together, we look forward to driving meaningful impact and ensuring the success of this initiative.
The meeting was highly productive, reinforcing our shared commitment to using rugby as a tool for education, employment, and social change. We sincerely appreciate AFD’s visit and their ongoing support, along with the invaluable contributions of the IOC and Laureus through the SESLA program. Together, we look forward to driving meaningful impact and ensuring the success of this initiative.