Over 600 Mastercard Foundation-sponsored students started a six-day leadership and innovation retreat this Monday, August 4, at the University of Rwanda’s Huye Campus. Known as Summer Camp 2025, the event aims to equip participants with the skills and mindset to become transformative leaders and entrepreneurs.
Organised in collaboration with the University of Rwanda, the camp serves as a platform to empower academically talented but economically disadvantaged students through training in leadership, public speaking, and problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on social impact and innovation.
Throughout the week, students are engaging in interactive sessions led by seasoned experts and high-ranking officials. Some of the guest speakers include the Mayor of Huye District, Ange Sebutege; Dr Shema Jean Bosco, the UR Huye Campus Administrator; and Associate Professor Anne Marie Kagwesage, the overall coordinator of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR.
Raymond Ndikumana, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration at the University of Rwanda, emphasised the importance of initiatives like this in strengthening leadership education.
“Although we already offer leadership courses, there is a need to enhance them. Events like this give us the opportunity to evaluate and enrich what we teach,” he said. “These scholars are among the best in the country. They should take full advantage of this opportunity; not just for personal growth, but to uplift their communities and contribute to Africa’s development.”
Participants have also voiced their optimism about the week-long programme. “What I expect to gain from this is a broad range of knowledge,” one student told The Kaminuza Star. “We’re learning everything from leadership and business skills to how to speak with confidence.”
Another added that interacting with inspiring leaders was giving them hope and practical tools for shaping a better future through entrepreneurship.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has been active at the University of Rwanda for years, supporting students from low-income backgrounds with full scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities. The Summer Camp is one of the initiative’s flagship events, aimed at building confidence and fostering innovation among scholars.
Ndikumana also mentioned the possibility of extending the duration of the retreat in the coming years. “This time, we are extending it to a full week to assess its impact, and in the future, others might even get a week or two,” he said.
By Elisa UWINEZA/ The Kaminuza Star