Student smiling and clapping

Inspiring a Generation of Female Leaders in Rwanda with Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology


Project Type: Virtual or On-site

When: July to August or early to mid-December

According to 2012 to 2014 statistics from the Ministry of Education, out of the 13,557 primary students enrolled in technical training institutions in Rwanda, only  39.3% were girls. The representation is even lower in universities, at 33.35%, due to lower levels girls were performing at during primary school. 

Established in 2009, the Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology (GGAST) empowers the next generation of the country’s leaders. GGAST is committed to creating an innovative model of education that combines strong college-prep academics, along with health, social and emotional development and extracurricular programs. In all aspects of student life, we empower the girls to “find their voices” as we aim to foster leadership skills, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration combined with market-relevant academic and career navigation skills to ensure graduates are college and career ready. 

Project Opportunity:

  • Innovation Lab Space: GGAST would like support with building out an innovation lab space for the local community. They are hoping to invest in maker space and 3D printing equipment as well as training for personnel to manage the space and maximize its usage.
  • PD Workshops and Training the Trainer: Providing teacher training through PD workshops on a variety of topics, building on the previous years. Along with leading workshops, volunteers will support Gashora teachers as they lead workshops for teachers from across Rwanda.
  • Girls Mentorship: Provide mentorship for the senior girls class as they apply for college and submit technology-related projects for their annual showcase exhibition.

Impact: Everyday, Gashora Girls Academy educates and inspires 275 passionate young women of Rwanda. In 2019, 100% of their students passed the national exam.