Building Projects

Gihogwe Secondary School, KIGALI CITY, GASABO district, Jali Sector, Agateko Cell.

By far the most ambitious project to date is building a large secondary school with boarding facilities. When fully completed there will be 1150 students attending on a day and boarding basis and many of these will be orphans of genocide and/or AIDS. Computer facilities have been installed and a recreational area needs to be made. The total cost of this project is estimated to be around 2 million pounds.

The vast majority of secondary students in Rwanda much prefer to attend a boarding school because this frees them from having to rise early every morning – if they had been at home – to clean the house and fetch water (often from a distance) and these duties are repeated in the evening. Students are expected to study for long hours and day pupils find that their education suffers as a result.

The project started in 2005 when the land was purchased and planning permission for the school was obtained. Since then 2 classroom/office blocks have been completed plus dormitory accommodation. Toilets and showers, dining room, kitchen and storeroom are finished and a fence has been erected around the whole site.

In February 2011 the school had 105 boarders making a total of 236 students.

Whole school photo - January 2011

Photos showing second completed classroom block - Feb 2010

Link to project page for the new school 

In 2009 SJ Berwin LLP partnered with us and raised a considerable sum of money. This was used to build an additional classroom block and to complete other essential work to enable the boarding school to open. The amount raised far exceeded all our expectations and Rwanda Restored are extremely grateful to the Partnership for their very generous support.

Our colleagues in Rwanda and all involved with the school are also very grateful for the new facilities that have been made possible through the kindness of the partners and staff of SJ Berwin LLP.

Partners and employees engaged in a variety of events to raise funds for the school – mountain walks in Ethiopia, cycle rides in Europe, marathons in Berlin and New York, walks around Britain, quiz and talent evenings, cake bakes and slimathons… Other projects were also supported very well such as buying food parcels, goats, desks and students sponsorship for university and secondary education.

So, what next for 2010/2011?

Another combined classroom/dormitory block with toilet and shower facilities included must be built at a cost of £610,500 and this will accommodate a further 520 students. We are looking for help from all sources including Churches, businesses, schools, charities & trusts as well as individuals to continue growing this much needed school.

"Nothing is too hard" and "Nothing is impossible".

How can I help?

If individuals would like to support this project, please visit our donations page. If you are able to give a sum of money each month (for example £25), this would be gratefully received and will enable us to budget for the building of the secondary school. Please click here for more information