Kepler celebrates graduation of 163

Kigali, Rwanda — October 30, 2023 – One hundred and sixty-three graduates walked in the 8th Commencement of Southern New Hampshire University supported by Kepler on Monday at Kepler’s Kigali Campus in Kinyinya, Gasabo District, honoring their commitment, resilience, and overall academic success.

The graduates successfully completed Southern New Hampshire University undergraduate degrees in management, communication and healthcare management and Kepler’s labor-market relevant modules, career readiness training as well as its foundation program focused on digital, communication and 21st century skills. Graduates included 88 women and 75 men. With Kepler’s special support and expertise in refugee education, 57 students with refugee status were among the graduates this year.

“Humility and ethical behavior is the long lasting currency for a successful career. Keep your head down, do the work. Build expertise so that you can speak from expertise and not opinions,” Nathalie Munyampenda, CEO of Kepler said as she addressed the graduates.

Kepler graduates have high employment outcomes with 94% of Kepler’s current alumni body being employed, pursuing further studies or running their own businesses. For the Class of 2023, 115 are already employed and 10 are doing internships.

“All problems on the continent already have solutions on the continent. You are the solution, the future. You are what your countries need, what Africa needs, what the world needs. And we have enormous pride, expectation and hope for you,” Dr. Paul LeBlanc, President of Southern New Hampshire University, lauded the graduates.

“The Continental Education Strategy for Africa emphasizes the need to create citizens who are effective change agents for sustainable development. Institutions like Kepler play a pivotal role in achieving this noble goal, as Kepler continues to expand,” Remarked Hon. Gaspard Twagirayezu, Rwanda’s Minister of Education, during his keynote address.

The 2023 graduating class testifies to Kepler’s commitment to providing world-class education, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators. 

Since 2013, Kepler has been empowering Africa’s underserved youth by offering a unique combination of in-person, online, and experiential learning. In partnership with Southern New Hampshire University, Kepler has enrolled over 2,500 students across Kigali and the Kiziba refugee camp in Rwanda, awarding bachelor’s degrees in communications, management, and healthcare management.

To date, Kepler has positively impacted 7400 youths in Rwanda and Ethiopia, with 957 earning bachelor’s degrees, including 237 refugees. Kepler boasts a 94% success rate, with graduates advancing to employment, entrepreneurship, or further studies within six months post-graduation.

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Photos: Kepler Celebrates the 8th Graduation Ceremony | Kigali, 30 October 2023

Video: Celebrating the Class of 2023 | Kigali, 30 October 2023

Media contact:

Claude Kabengera

Communication Manager

claude.k@kepler.org