Meet Valentin,

a Kivu Hills Academy graduate.

Valentin is among the 27 alumni who graduated from Kivu Hills Academy (KHA) in Masonry in 2022. He graduated with academic achievements and excellent, hands-on skills in both masonry and welding. When Valentin enrolled at KHA in 2019, he developed an interest in maintenance and construction of school furniture, doors, windows and other tasks requiring welding, carpentry or masonry skills. At school, he often volunteered for projects and worked for pay during holiday breaks to help support his family.

During his first year at school, the staff at KHA realized that Valentin and others with a passion for welding needed a chance to develop these skills. It didn’t take long for KHA to organize a welding course for students. Valentin was proud to successfully complete the course. After graduation in August 2022, Valentin helped to construct the boys’ dormitory at KHA, and he’s now working on the Kivu Hills Medical Center (KHMC) as a mason, truss welder, and rebar technician. Currently, Valentin’s busy with two welding projects: A metallic fence at the Mission House, and rebar frames (bridge) for rain water collection ditches at KHA.

As a young boy, Valentin never met his father, and his mother moved away from Boneza after remarrying. As a result, Valentin was raised by an uncle in the local village. His humble home life taught Valentin to work hard and support his family whenever possible. But his modest background meant he needed additional support to receive an education. Valentin understood that there was no way he and his family could afford to pay for tuition, uniforms, and scholastic materials. However, one day Valentin found himself blessed by the news that a donation made halfway around the world would change his life forever. Valentin would be going to school after all. Diving in immediately, Valentin flourished at KHA with no concern over school fees. He completed his education at Kivu Hills Academy and inspired other students to work hard and follow their passions. After graduation, he bought his own welding equipment.

Thanks to the generous donor who gave Valentin the gift of education, he is now a skilled technician who earns a competitive wage in the community. He helps support his family, ensuring they can always eat, and he even sends his younger siblings to school. The construction team and the entire KHA staff is proud of Valentin, his courage, and his love for work! Ambitious to continue his educational journey, Valentin plans to attend college in September 2023 and he’s currently saving for his tuition. Today, he’s always eager to share his gratitude for the support he received from his generous donor, Arise Rwanda, and Kivu Hills Academy. Valentin believes this gift was the cornerstone of his future.