The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) says more than Rwf608 billion has been invested in education financing over the past decade, helping more than 142,000 young Rwandans access tertiary education.
BRD said the programme, which has been running since 2016, reflects continued investment in the knowledge and skills of young people as part of Rwanda’s development.“Support has not been limited to study financing”.
The bank said initiatives such as laptop financing have also helped students access the tools needed to study and take part in an increasingly digital learning environment.
The student financing system is designed to continue supporting new beneficiaries as previous recipients repay their loans. Rwanda’s education sector plans have long placed loan recovery at the centre of sustaining higher education financing, with BRD responsible for administering the student loan system.
BRD thanked the partners that have supported education financing over the past 10 years, as well as beneficiaries who continue to repay their study loans.
The bank mentioned that repayment does more than settle an individual loan because the money can help another young Rwandan access education and pursue their studies.
BRD also highlighted the impact behind the figures, saying each beneficiary represents a student, a family and an opportunity to build a future through education.
After a decade of education financing, the bank said it is celebrating the students who have benefited, the ambitions they have pursued and the opportunities created, while looking to support more young Rwandans in the years ahead.
Elie GATETE
RADIOTV10