Rwanda: Two Rwandans Named Among Top 10 Finalists for Africa Education Medal 2023


Two Rwandans — Rogers Patrick Kamugisha and Jean-Claude Nkulikiyimfura – have been named among the top 10 finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2023, a prestigious continental award.

Kamugisha is the Country Director of Educate! , an organization that designs and delivers education solutions that equip young people in Africa with the skills to succeed in “today’s economy”, while Nkulikiyimfura is the Executive Director of Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV), a non-profit focused on providing vulnerable and orphaned youth in Rwanda the necessary healing and education.

Gaspard Twagirayezu, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education congratulated Nkulikiyimfura, saying he is a visionary leader who is making a positive impact on the education system in Rwanda.

“His dedication to improving the lives of young people is truly inspiring. He has invested his talent in healing the hearts of those who have experienced trauma, preparing them for the challenges of the ever-changing world and creating a lasting impact on the country’s future generations,” Twagirayezu said.

Nkulikiyimfura was born a refugee in Burundi. His parents were both orphaned and fled Rwanda in 1961, but taught their children that they would one day return to Rwanda and restore justice and dignity for all.

He first visited the ASYV campus in 2010, where he met a student named Fabien, a genocide survivor and orphan who inspired him with his determination. This experience led him to enter the non-profit sector and work for ASYV in hopes of helping students like Fabien build dignified and self-reliant lives.