Aenr-Lr’s initiative: changing lives, one student at a time

Saint Thomas d’Aquin de Rutovu High School is a boarding institution located in Burunga Province, in the Republic of Burundi. It is surrounded by mountains covered with trees, a peaceful environment with good weather and fresh air that fosters learning. However, students still face several challenges. The alumni, determined to give back, are doing their best to ease some of these difficulties. According to them, the school once looked magnificent, but time and past national crises, including periods of war, have taken their toll on its infrastructure. They hope to make it look better. “We wish to revive the spark it had back then”.

Many students met on-site expressed their gratitude for the help offered by the Aenr-Lr. “Buying pads used to be a burden for my parents because sending me to a boarding school is already costly. Pads are expensive since they have to buy at least three packages per semester,” said J.A., a 9th-grade student from Gitega Province, one of the nearby regions. She explained that she comes from a struggling family of six and feels grateful to have people assisting her with some of her basic needs.

“With Aenr-Lr’s assistance, I can now have a bit of pocket money. Some of the money once used for sanitary pads is given to me so I can treat myself from time to time. I’m so happy they looked back and thought of such charitable deeds. I hope this continues, because I’m not the only one in need,”. She also mentioned that the group helped rehabilitate the girls’ dormitory by installing fourteen doors on previously open rooms. “The rooms became safer and warmer again,” she said, relieved.

Relief

Other students shared similar feelings. Fiacre Niyongaji, a final-year student in the teaching section, was overjoyed by the dormitory repairs. “Rain used to be a nightmare for us. We couldn’t sleep because water leaked everywhere even on our beds. That was terrible, especially since it rains a lot in this region, and our school year coincides with the rainy season. Thanks to Aenr-Lr’s help, through our school administration, we can now sleep peacefully.”
He also expressed appreciation for the computers provided by the group. “I can now do research easily thanks to the strong internet connection offered by Aenr-Lr. Whenever I’m confused about a topic, I just ask for permission to look it up, and I find my answers quickly without disturbing the teacher.”

Bonheur Niyogusengwa, another student from the language section, proudly praised Rutovu High School and the ongoing improvements. “Besides offering excellent academic and moral education, our school now has upgraded learning tools such as computers. I’m super excited about what the future holds. We already have brilliant teachers who do their best to improve our skills,” he said with a broad smile, thanking the Aenr-Lr group. All the students interviewed were equally thrilled about the internet access and the large television donated by Aenr-Lr, which keeps them entertained during breaks.

That visit coincided with graduation day, turning it into a major celebration. The Aenr-Lr group, led by Ambassador Gabriel Ndihokubwayo, first awarded prizes to the best students, then presented diplomas to last year’s graduates. Teachers praised the rewarding gesture, noting that it reignited the student’s competitive spirit.

Competitive spirit ignited

“The students rewarded this year are not the same as last year. Only four of them remained on the list. I salute this initiative by Aenr-Lr because it has truly motivated students to perform better, it’s a victory for us teachers,” added Mrs. Anésie Ndayishimiye, a teacher at the school since 2007. She noted significant improvement in student performance since the prizes began and expressed joy over the fast internet connection, which has simplified her teaching experience. “I constantly do research to adapt my lessons now it’s quick and easy.”

Elie Nshimirimana, brother from the Bene-Joseph Catholic Congregation and headmaster of the high school, expressed deep gratitude for Aenr-lr’s contributions. “New books were purchased to enrich our library, one of the most valuable learning resources. The television during break time keeps students from sneaking out at night to watch football games,”
he said, assuring that programs are supervised to prevent distractions.

According to Mr. Nshimirimana the Association of Former Students (Aenr-Lr) has become an indispensable financial partner for Saint Thomas d’Aquin High School. “Additionally, they bought new jerseys for all sports teams, renovated the basketball court, bought traditional drums and provided uniforms for traditional dancers. Our learners are overjoyed and inspired by these alumni who never forgot where they came from. They’ve shown that when you excel at school, you can later give back to others. We’ve seen the best results this past year.”

He further revealed that among 171 final-year students across all sections, 137 passed their national exams. The high school offers five study sections: Biochemistry and Earth Science, Language Studies, Teacher Training, Economic section, and Management information systems. As for the rewards, in every class from 7th grade to the final year, the top student receives 319,000 Burundian francs, the second 299,000 francs, and the third 279,000 francs, each accompanied by a certificate of merit.

Call for Action

In his speech, Ambassador Gabriel Ndihokubwayo expressed joy over the progress achieved by Aenr-lr and the gratitude shown by students and staff. “We appreciate this school and its learners. If possible, we wish to continue supporting them in every way we can. Our next priority project is to renovate the sanitary infrastructures, which are in deplorable condition.”

When questioned afterward, he explained that the project will be costly, as they plan to rebuild the kitchen and purchase new utensils as well. “It will cost around 70,000 USD. This is a call for donors, your help can change lives and bring smiles to learners as they pursue their dreams,” he concluded.