Alexandre’s Story: Turning an Island Dream Into Reality

Hello everyone! My name is Alexandre, and I live on Bugarura Island in Lake Kivu, Rwanda. Our island is home to around 2,000 people, most of whom, like my father, are fishermen. Growing up on the island has given me a deep connection to the lake and a dream for its untapped potential. One day, I want to start the first water ski resort on Lake Kivu! Can you believe there isn’t even a single touristic boat on the lake yet?

I am currently a grade 10 (Level 3) student at Kivu Hills Academy (KHA), studying Tourism and Hospitality. My education is equipping me with the skills I need to turn my dreams into reality. I envision launching tourism activities like kayaking, swimming, and canoeing to attract visitors to our beautiful island. Swimming in Lake Kivu and eating isambaza (small sardines from the lake) are some of my favorite things to do, and I hope to share these experiences with future tourists.

Getting to KHA wasn’t easy. Growing up, I always thought of Kivu Hills Academy as a first-class school, far out of reach for my family due to financial constraints. However, by God’s grace, I learned about Arise Rwanda Ministries and their scholarship program for less privileged students with good grades. I applied and was overjoyed to be selected.

KHA has been a life-changing opportunity for me. The school is not just helping me build academic knowledge, but also inspiring me to dream big. Through my Tourism and Hospitality studies, I am learning practical skills that will help me transform my community and create sustainable tourism businesses on our island.

I am so thankful to Arise Rwanda Ministries and their donors for making my education possible. Their generosity has given me hope and the tools I need to build a brighter future. Please continue to support students like me through Arise Rwanda Ministries, so we can achieve our dreams and uplift our communities.