The programme, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), will support 25 boys and 25 girls selected from different districts across Rwanda.
Under the programme, BPR Bank will support the students throughout their six years of secondary education, from Senior One (S1) through Senior Six (S6), providing essential requirements to help them attend school and complete their studies successfully.
The bank’s management said the initiative seeks to remove financial and socio-economic barriers that prevent students from accessing, continuing and completing their education.
In addition to school materials and other essential requirements, beneficiaries will receive mentorship and guidance to support their academic performance and overall wellbeing. The programme will also help build their confidence, equip them with practical skills and enable them to make informed decisions about their future.
BPR Bank Rwanda PLC Chief Financial Officer, Vincent Ngirikiringo, said every child should have an opportunity to pursue their dreams regardless of their family’s circumstances.
“At BPR Bank, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their dreams, regardless of the family they come from. Through the BPR Scholars programme, we are committed to supporting these students throughout their secondary education journey from S1 to S6. We want to remove financial barriers and provide them with the support and mentorship they need to succeed.”
He said the initiative goes beyond providing financial assistance, as the bank intends to accompany the students throughout their six-year journey by helping them set life goals, develop themselves and understand the educational and career opportunities available to them.
Niyongabo Eric, an official from the Ministry of Education, welcomed the partnership with BPR Bank Rwanda PLC, saying such initiatives contribute to the government’s efforts to improve access to education and address barriers faced by students.
“The latest figures we have show that at least 79 percent of students who pass primary school go on to secondary school, and what we want is for that figure to reach 100 percent. Partnerships with institutions such as BPR help us increase that number, especially because one of the main challenges identified is a lack of financial means.”
Among the beneficiaries is Shema Patrick, who performed well in primary school and was selected for the scholarship. He expressed gratitude to BPR Bank for choosing him and pledged to work hard in his studies.
Shema’s mother, Mukeshimana Vestine, said she initially thought she was being targeted by fraudsters when she received a call informing her that her son had been selected for the scholarship.
“When I was first called and told that they had selected my child to be sponsored, I thought they were scammers and I did not believe it. I only became convinced after they called me again from the bank,” she said.
She thanked BPR Bank for the support, saying paying for her son’s education had been one of the family’s major concerns.
Through the BPR Foundation, the bank invests in initiatives focused on education and the development of small businesses, with the aim of supporting communities and creating opportunities for sustainable social and economic development.
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