2025 annual report
Educate a girl. Inspire a community. Transform a nation.
our mission.
To educate and empower girls of Rwanda to reach their highest potential.
our values.
Excellence
We demonstrate an unwavering commitment to intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, excellence, persistence and outstanding achievement.
Leadership
We embody authentic leadership. We are honest, respectful, humble, responsible, empathetic and equitable.
Community
We positively contribute and support our society through sisterhood and selfless service.
A Message from Co-Founder and Board President, Suzanne Sinegal McGill
Seventeen years ago, we started with a dream — a dream that felt both simple and impossibly ambitious. We dreamed of a school where girls would not be limited by circumstance, where barriers would fall away, and where brilliant young women could rise into the fullness of who they were created to be.
We fiercely believed that Rwanda and the world needed their voices. And that if we could help crack open the door, they would walk through it with courage, purpose, and joy.
Since 2011, 1,066 Gashora Girls have graduated and stepped forward into the world — curious, courageous, and ready. They’ve earned well over $100 million in scholarships and attended 254 universities in 37 countries. And in a region where only 17% of girls graduate from high school and only 3% graduate from university, saying that 97% of our first ten graduating classes have pursued higher education, takes my breath away.
More than 639 of our alumnae hold university degrees today. Many have returned home to Rwanda; others are working across Africa and around the world, infusing every place they stand with light, leadership, and hope. When I think of our alumnae, I think of the collective force they represent: Scientists and engineers shaping medicine and technology—environmental stewards restoring land across Africa. Economists crafting more innovative policies. Storytellers shifting cultural narratives. Entrepreneurs solving problems and creating jobs. Public health experts saving lives. Diplomats guiding global conversations.
This is what happens when you educate a girl. The world shifts. Communities flourish. Hope grows roots.
In a world facing conflict, climate shifts, inequity, and unrest, the leadership of educated young women is not a luxury. It’s essential. It’s urgent. And it’s needed now more than ever.
For every alumna who now stands tall in her profession, there is another girl in Rwanda waiting for her chance. Brilliant. Imaginative. Determined. A girl who could be the next scientist, the next diplomat, the next doctor, the next environmental leader. A girl who could change her family’s story — and her country’s.
I hope you know, deep in your heart, that you’ve changed — and are changing — the lives of over a thousand young women. I want to thank you for believing in these young women and for ensuring that Gashora Girls will CONTINUE to rise, and there will be thousands more lights to celebrate.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Suzanne Sinegal McGill, Co-Founder and Board President
A Message from Head of School, Atete Rugege
It is my honor to be the Head of School for Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology, and it is a pleasure to share with you, our supporters, how Gashora Girls Academy continues to be a beacon of hope and joy for so many girls.
Every year, as we open over 850 applications from girls across Rwanda, we are reminded of the profound need for quality secondary education for girls. Their applications are filled with promise, hope, and belief that they can reach their goals with the education we offer at Gashora. Their impressive report cards and essays contain dreams of becoming doctors, engineers, data analysts, lawyers, and so much more. With only 95 spots, the selection process is brutal. But once we have our cohort of new girls, we immediately become excited to meet the next generation of leaders, innovators, and all-around trailblazers.
We are proud of everything our students and community have accomplished this year, and the icing on the cake was graduating our 1,066th student! As our students reflected on their first days at Gashora, you will hear them say of themselves, "I couldn't speak up for myself," "I was a quiet girl", and "I was unaware of my potential." At Gashora, they discovered they could excel academically, find and develop their talents, and grow their social and emotional skills, which, in turn, have built their confidence. Gashora isn't just a place of dreams and possibilities, but a place where they "rise up" and become their greatest possibility.
I want to express our gratitude to you for your ongoing support of girls' education. We can only achieve what we do because of your generosity and commitment. Because of you, the young women of Gashora have been brought into a beautiful circle of sisterhood and a community that honors their resilience and courage, encourages them to pursue excellence, and inspires each other to be the change they want to see.
To all of you, we pledge to continue stewarding your support with care and unwavering commitment. Together, we will continue to open doors for the next generation of brilliant young women.
With gratitude,
Atete Rugege
celebrating your impact.
Our alumnae have diverse backgrounds and interests, but they share a drive to make a difference in this world.
Meet our alumnae.
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Queen Leilla Umutoniwase
Gashora Girls Academy 2015
Jiangsu University, Civil Engineering, 2020
Civil Engineer and Projects Management Officer in Rwanda building an award winning, first of its kind, sustainable residential project in Kigali.
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Ineza kenza
Gashora Girls Academy 2025
Brown University, 2030
“Gashora gave me more than an education; it gave me a future. I wish the same for other girls, that they can come to Gashora and watch their dreams take flight.”
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Olga Divine Agahozo
Gashora Girls Academy 2016
Marist University, BFA, Interior Design, 2021 Ecole Camondo, BAC, Interior Architecture & Design, 2023 Itecom Art Design, Master’s, Interior Architecture, 2024
Founder and Creative Director of Design by Olga in Kigali
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Josiane Uwumukiza
Gashora Girls Academy 2022
Wellesley College, Computer Science and Biochemistry, 2026
“Gashora gave me the confidence to dream and the tools to turn those dreams into reality. I carry these values with me, striving to make an impact on my community and the world.”
class of 2025
88 New Gashora Girls Academy Graduates
With National Exam scores posted in December of 2025, most of our students’ international and local college admission acceptances arrive in 2026 after exam results.
The following is a sample of college admissions accepted from the Class of 2025: Amherst College, Brown University, Middlebury College, Mount Vernon Nazarene University (2), Northwestern University, NYU Abu Dhabi, Soka University of America, Smith College, Swarthmore College, Tufts University, University of British Columbia,
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Esther was part of the Gashora class of 2019. She is thrilled to have graduated with a Bachelor degree from Northwestern University in Qatar as a Communications major minoring in Strategic Communication and Business Administration. She shares, “Gashora helped me to tap into my inner leader, and i now enter every room unafraid. Their approach helped me navigate a new country where I could not just survive, but thrive.”
Esther hopes to make a lasting impact through sport, storytelling, and entrepreneurship, and to build the equitable future she only once imagined. READ MORE
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This past June, Nicole from the Gashora class of 2019, graduated with a BS in Management Information Systems from Ashesi University. She co-founded Iteme Finance, a fintech startup simplifying access to Rwanda’s capital markets and contributed to an award-winning sustainability solution during the Aviation Waste Design Challenge. She is currently a Data Scientist in Kigali. She shares, “Gashora taught me discipline and independence at a young age. I had to leave my comfort zone and take initiative which contributed to my success at university.”
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Cynthia, Gashora Girls Academy 2014 graduate, received her Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. She is currently a Senior Financial Analyst for Amazon Web Services.
Congratulations
To the 67 students who graduated with their undergraduate degrees
and the 24 with a master’s or doctorate degree in 2025!
staff highlights
Teacher Florence Imanishimwe
My path began with a challenge—the belief that boys were naturally better suited for science and technology. During O-Level, I excelled in math and physics, but the narrative suggested these fields weren’t for girls. That disconnect fueled my determination to prove otherwise.
By A-Level, I embraced Math and Physics, and discovering ICT felt like learning the language of the future. Fascinated by how it evolves and shapes society, I pursued a degree in Computer Science with Education—not just to master the subject but to teach it in ways that empower others.
GGAST became the ideal place to fulfill that mission. Here, I don’t just teach code; I help young women see themselves as architects of technology. Every lesson, every robotics competition, every debugging session is a step toward creating a future where girls don’t just participate in STEM but LEAD it.
Computer Science can feel abstract, so I ground it in relevance. I also focus on durable skills: problem-solving, collaboration, and ethics. A former student now at Davidson College told me, “You didn’t just teach us; you taught us how to learn.” That’s the goal—creating lifelong learners who can adapt to uncertainty.
The barriers for girls in tech are often invisible but profound. Some walk in, doubting themselves. Others fear isolation in future workplaces. I counter that by bringing in women role models, creating safe spaces to fail, and connecting tech to real-world challenges, like building apps for farmers.
Looking ahead, I dream of integrating AI into the curriculum—projects that analyze crop patterns, detect early disease, or preserve Kinyarwanda through natural language processing. Paired with mentorship from tech companies, these experiences would prepare students to ask not just what technology can do, but how it can serve our communities.
“My students won’t just be programmers or engineers. They’ll be the women who ask, “Why not?” when faced with a challenge—and then build the solution.”
Excellence.
We proudly announce that the Ministry of Education named Gashora Girls Academy the TOP-PERFORMING secondary school for general education in the last five years. (2018-2023)
highlights and accomplishments
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IDEBATE Tournament
Gashora Girls participated in a debate competing with more than 30 schools from around the country with topics surrounding education reform. Despite the challenge and impromptu topics, they took home the cup!
“The motions helped me think outside the box, and improve my research skills.” Gentille, GGAST 2026
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KPL Writing Competition
The Kigali Public Library hosted a national essay writing competition on the country’s conservation and tourism efforts. Pamela took third place in the French category with her piece about Msanze caves and their untapped touristic potential.
“The competition reignited my passion for the French language. I also learned more about Rwanda’s tourist destinations throughout my research.”
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Lego League
More than 200 teams of future engineers applied to compete at First Lego League. From there 25 teams from Rwanda, 4 from Nigeria, and 1 from Uganda met to compete. The Gashora Girls Academy team took 2nd runner up and Best Robot design. They were also invited to be one of 10 teams to participate in the AI Hackathon. Congratulations!
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National Exam: Top 2 Female Science Students
Unsurprisingly, 100% of the Gashora Girls passed the national exam in July of 2024. Out of the top 10 in Sciences, only 3 were girls and 2 were from Gashora Girls Academy! Congratulations to Christella and Rolanda.
“I couldn’t have done it without the constant support from my teachers and the encouragement of my peers, who created an environment where I could challenge myself.” Rolanda, GGAST 2024, Tufts University, Biomedical Engineering
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Summer Programs
Twelve students were admitted to international summer programs in 2024 including Tech Girls, Telluride Association Summer Seminar, and Yale Summer program. Tyra, pictured above, attended the Impact Lab at Wentworth Institute where she explored courses with peers from 10 nationalities.
“As a future engineer, my mind was limited to STEM courses, however at impact lab, I learned about business and innovation which helped me with my vision for the future,” Tyra, GGAST 25
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10 Students accepted Early Decision
It all began in August when GGAST hosted its annual Early Decision camp, where students spend two weeks preparing for Early Decision applications. With the support of alumnae and a GGAST teacher, students drafted their personal essays and implemented essay workshops. Schools, where students were admitted are: Amherst College, Brown University, Middlebury College, Mount Vernon Nazarene Northwestern University, Smith College, Swarthmore, Tufts College, and University of British Columbia.
Annual project exhibition winners
Each year, Gashora holds a 25-week project program focused on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) where students, in small groups of three to five, identify a problem, research it, and develop innovative solutions and prototypes. During the process, they receive close mentorship from teachers or staff of their choosing. On the final day, an exhibition is hosted on campus where students present to judges, and three top projects are chosen and given awards. These were last year’s winners.
Impuzo Website: Impuzo is a website designed to facilitate victims of gender-based violence by linking them to professional help.
“I had a close friend who was a victim of violence and was just for her circumstances. I believe that having an online medium would reduce the likelihood of victim-blaming and help victims.”
Plastic Vacuum Cleaner: Our students created an affordable and convenient way of cleaning by using waste materials to make a vacuum that makes cleaning less of a hurdle.
“I was able to put in practice what I was learning in class about conservation and energy and how to be an effective team player.”
Unguka Cultural Board Game: After noticing the lack of cultural knowledge in today's youth, these students created a board game that teaches Rwandan history, literature, and culture, creating a fun way to learn as you play.
Whole Girl
The Whole Girl curriculum and program aims to prepare and equip students with the hard and soft skills to live fulfilling and successful lives, constructively contributing to their communities, and become leaders in their fields.
This Life Skills Training and Exposure includes but is not limited to: -Student Clubs & Sports - Community Service and Engagement - Career Mentorship - Expert-led Training and Workshops - Social and Emotional Learning - Decision-Making Skills - Public Speaking - Diversity Awareness - Cultural Heritage.
“Gashora’s Whole Girl education and emphasis on leadership and community have played a huge role in shaping who I am today. Leading the ‘We for Them’ club instilled leadership and a passion for giving back, while table tennis taught me discipline and teamwork. Studying physics, chemistry, and math sparked my path to biomedical engineering. Now at Tufts, I am leading a global project with Engineers Without Borders. The resilience and confidence Gashora instilled in me continues to guide me. I’m forever grateful. ”
Leadership.
“Gashora’s holistic education encourages engagement in extra-curricular activities and has shaped my growth. Debate has sharpened my critical thinking, GirlUp fueled my commitment to community and women empowerment, and mathletes helped me explore different areas in math that will help me as I pursue my education at Northwestern.
— Shifah, GGAST 2025, Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University
Expert-led Training and Workshops
Expert-led training and workshops are part of the Whole Girl program at Gashora Girls Academy, where visiting presenters facilitate training and workshops on various topics. Our unique Whole Girl curriculum and programs enable our students to confidently pursue their futures with exuberance and intellectual curiosity, preparing them to be the future changemakers of their generation.
Career Fair:
The 2025 career fair featured incredible professionals who have successfully pursued careers in both STEM and beyond. With the theme "Exploring both conventional and unconventional careers," panelists reminded viewers that one doesn’t have to ignore their passions to succeed in the corporate world.
Leadership Opportunities
Below is a sampling of growth, learning, and leadership opportunities students have the opportunity to participate in.
iLEAD
Gashora Girls continues to participate in iLead as one of 12 schools the Ministry of Education officially chose to launch the program in Rwanda. iLead provides three years of value-based youth leadership development, teaching students to explore values, take ownership of their choices, and practice leadership values and skills. Our Head Girl participated in a panel discussion during this year's Convention with our other panelists.
Leadership Circles
This year, we saw a 107% increase in student leadership interest. These students participated in Leadership Circles, which provide an invaluable space for students to refine their leadership aspirations and align their personal visions with the school’s broader leadership goals. This year, we had alumnae join the conversation, offering firsthand insights on leadership challenges, academic balance, and personal growth.
25-26 Student Cabinet
Students engaged in campaigns at the end of spring term. A Total of 48 students took to the stage to share their ambitious manifestos and action plans with the school community, out of which 21 were elected to serve in various positions. The departments are Entertainment & Club, Environment, Sports, Academics, Dormitory, Club Affairs, Welfare, Information, and Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl.
Alumnae Mentorship Workshops
Alumnae visited our school multiple times in 2025 to host workshops and share valuable insights with our current students. Their presence highlights the strong community and the importance of alumnae support, which we value greatly. A few of the topics covered were: financial literacy, maintaining healthy relationships with family, friends, and partners while balancing academics, choosing the right academic path, making the most of internships, setting career goals, personal development skills, such as skills that shape future careers and open doors, and communication….to name a few!
“I attribute my fearlessness and readiness to challenge my limits and take initiative to Whole Girl education. It is where I developed an aptitude for learning and a sense of responsibility to myself and the community.
I am deeply grateful to the entire Rwanda Girls Initiative and Gashora Girls Academy community, who make it possible for us to chase our dreams with confidence. “
-Liliane Gikundiro, GGAST Class of 2017 BS in Software Engineering, The African Leadership University 2023
Community.
Sisterhood
"GGAST was ahead of its time, fostering the beauty of diversity, the importance of tolerance, and the power of women. Additionally, true sisterhood is the most essential. I'm still friends with the girls I met at GGAST, and this is very precious to me.”
Annick La Reine, GGAST Class of 2014
FAMILIES
Gashora is a family. Students refer to each other as ‘sisters’; however, a more fundamental aspect of this family is the “mother/daughter” relationship. Each senior takes on a first-year student and helps to guide them through their Gashora Journey. There is no greater joy than seeing a grandma, mother, and daughter spotted together, leaning on each other for support.
"Coming to a new school and finding someone who checks on me every day makes me feel loved and a sense of belonging.”
Kellia, GGAST 2027, Granddaughter on right
Diversity and Safe Spaces Workshop
Students participated in a workshop on diversity and safe spaces aimed at:
Building an understanding of the importance of diversity at GGAST.
Developing empathy and respect for different backgrounds and perspectives.
Learning practical ways to foster inclusive and safe spaces for all students.
Addressing potential challenges in maintaining inclusivity in a competitive, high-performing environment like GGAST.
community engagment
“Receiving a shoutout from the Minister of Youth about our play on inter-generational trauma, showed me that I can make my country proud, simply by using my talents.” -Gaju
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Community service is an integral part of life at Gashora, with the average student spending a minimum of four hours a month giving back, including tutoring at local schools.
The Class of 2025 held a blood drive to support maternal care. Parents and individuals from the community gathered to donate blood. They ended up with 37 pints, all cleared for safe use by the Rwanda Biomedical Center.
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The Interact Club earned recognition at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards for supporting children with disabilities by raising funds and collecting essential supplies.
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The Arts Revolutionary Club celebrated the 10th African Day of School by providing lunch to students at a local school. Beyond the mal they donated funds to support lunch fees for the primary children along with fresh farm produce.
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Six different community service clubs impart the value of giving back to the community and developing solutions for addressing societal issues. Our clubs continue to drive meaningful change, reinforcing their talents while making a tangible difference in their community.
“As part of the Dear Doctor Rwanda club, I had the opportunity to visit patients at a hospital in a neighboring sector. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to share a carton of milk with a young child who was being treated for cancer. After seeing this young child smile after siping her milk, I felt a wave of hope slide into my limbs. I grew more passionate about my desired career path of becoming a public health policy maker to advocate for hospitals to have the necessary supplies to provide patient care.” Arielle, GGSAT grade 11 student
sports/clubs
"To me, GGAST means opportunity. I cannot overstate how much I did not know about the world, myself, and my peers before I came to GGAST. At Gashora, I got to try my hand at business, leadership, and innovation! I have been allowed to be more than I ever thought I could be. An experience like that is quite difficult to forget." Christine, 2016
At Gashora Girls Academy, students are encouraged to participate in one sport, one community service club, and two other clubs of their choosing from the 23 clubs. The clubs fall under four categories:
Academic Associations: These clubs complement the in-class experience by allowing students to explore and apply concepts to practical projects.
Arts & Culture: Clubs that promote the appreciation of art as a tool for expression.
Self-Advancement: Clubs that allow students to pursue passions and talents while learning soft skills that enhance their ability to collaborate and build personal networks. An example would be Model UN or Debate Club.
Community Service: Clubs that impart the value of giving back.
Agriculture & Environment club students visited the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) to enhance their knowledge of agriculture projects and explore innovative practices, research initiatives, and education programs RICA offers. With 65% of Rwandans employed in the agricultural sector, as a country, it is essential to educate the next generation of entrepreneurs in sustainable agriculture.
On visitation day, purple drinks could be seen all around campus. Students and their parents were drinking Hibiscus tea made by the Agrivelo club. The hibiscus had been planted months earlier in preparation, and the club made eighty dollars of profits from the trade.
" As the vice president, agriculture made me love the environment more. We plan on doing more projects with the profit, including making and packaging dried pepper.” - Kellen, GGAST 2025
Sports and recreation engage students in activities that build and sustain talent while encouraging physical and mental health and wellness. Sports Offered: Basketball, Badminton, Chess, Football (soccer), Table Tennis, Volleyball, Karate, and Jogging
“Karate is more than just a sport; it has helped me discover my mental and physical strengths. Gashora has fueled my passion, challenging me to grow both in the dojo and life. As an instructor of the Karate club, I impart the other members with more than skill; I teach them about justice, equality, and the philosophy behind the practice.” Jessica
Partnerships.
Boeing Whole Girl
“I used to think education was all about the classroom, but once I was introduced to this community, education goes beyond the classroom. We get to experience growth and pursue different dreams through arts, sports, clubs, workshops, and help serve our communities. ”
We have been partnering with Boeing on the Whole Girl Program that has empowered 185 girls in Rwanda over the past two years. Through Gashora Girls Academy’s holistic education model, combining STEM excellence with life skills, leadership, wellbeing, and career readiness, the program fills critical gaps that academic achievement alone cannot address.
The Whole Girl Program, supported by Boeing, advances social-emotional learning, career exposure, leadership development, and workforce readiness for young women pursuing STEM pathways. By strengthening the skills, mindsets, and experiences students need to succeed in university, the workplace, and their communities, the program helps meet Rwanda’s and Africa’s growing demand for a skilled STEM and aviation workforce.
GLobe reads
Gashora Girls Academy students have been partnering with The Globe Reads since 2022. The program “promotes social engagement through shared reading and discussion by connecting students from diverse cultures, cross sections of society, and countries.”
There were two sessions in 2025. The first session was organized between 28 Gashora first-year students and students from the same grade in Dubai. The session centered around Oscar Wilde’s “The Model Millionaire.” It was an opportunity for our students to connect and explore the themes of generosity, kindness, and societal values portrayed in the story.
The second session was centered on “On Children” by Kahlil Gibran. For this discussion, our students met with peers at a school in Kolkata, India. The first session in 2026 will be with students from Wilmington, USA.
Financials
A consolidated look at Rwanda Girls Initiative and Gashora Girls Academy Financials during the 2024 calendar year. Rwanda Girls Initiative has changed its fiscal year to align with the Gashora Girls Academy fiscal year. We filed a short year 990 for January 2024 to August 2024. On September 1, 2024, we began our first new fiscal year, which will end on August 31, 2025. We will continue to report financials for the calendar year in the annual report.
