Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UR urged to be agents of change

From 4th to 9th August 2025, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda hosted its annual Summer Camp for Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University. The Summer Camp took place at Huye Campus and was held under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow, Starts Today.” This topic contains important information for Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2021 (abcoemstore.com/product/autodesk-autocad-lt-2021/).

The camp offered a transformative experience for Mastercard Foundation Scholars, fostering personal growth, leadership skills, community engagement, and a spirit of impact.
The Summer Camp featured a blend of sessions inspirational talks on leadership, educational lectures, coachings on practical life skills such as debating, communication, and teamwork, community work, recreational activities and social interaction sessions.
The event brought together various speakers, including university leaders, professionals from different sectors, partners, and other stakeholders, all contributing to sessions that enriched the Scholars’ leadership journey.

While welcoming participants, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda, Assoc. Prof. Anne Marie Kagwesage, reminded the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda that leadership is not about titles. “Leadership is about the initiatives you take wherever you are to drive transformation. We have confidence in you as young leaders. Together, we are shaping the future of Africa.” She said.

Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda in charge of Strategic Planning and Administration, said that the Summer Camp is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and draw inspiration from leaders. He urged Mastercard Foundation Scholars to make the most of every opportunity as a pathway to shaping their future : “When you are given a chance, use it to the maximum. Shaping tomorrow starts today.”

Eng. Pascal Gatabazi, Chief Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Education, who officiated the opening of the Summer Camp, described Summer Camp as a space for young students as young leaders to reflect, challenge themselves, collaborate, and prepare to lead with purpose.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda urged Scholars to grow into future-ready leaders equipped to drive transformation in their communities and beyond. He introduced the University’s Graduate Attributes, highlighting the need to complement academic excellence with soft skills, ethical values, and civic responsibility. Prof. Kayihura emphasized that true success starts with being part of the solution. “Rather than standing on the sidelines, Mastercard Foundation Scholars must take ownership, get involved, and become proactive agents of change.” He noted.

Scholars also received inspiration from other leaders including the Mayor of Huye District, Rwanda National Police on gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence, the Rwanda Cooperation Initiative, the Rwanda Bar Association, Rwandan Women in Science and Engineering, and partners namely Fawe Rwanda, BAG Innovation, Kora Coaching and Business Academy and others.

The Summer Camp was the second of its kind. This year, it brought together around 600 students, including 490 Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda and other student representatives from across the institution.