Project Akilah aka Akilah Institute for Women

Our Story: The Akilah Institute for Women opened its doors on February 2, 2010 to a class of 50 bright, motivated young women. Due to the astonishing progress since the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has become a model of post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation on the African continent. However, only 1% of Rwandans attend university, and less than 1/3 of higher education students are female. Akilah will revolutionize women’s education in East Africa by providing its students with market-relevant skills that will allow them to find employment and emerege as the next generation of female leaders and entrepreneurs. Students will be prepared to work in tourism and hospitality management, the fastest growing sector of the Rwandan economy. They take courses in English, leadership, computer skills, financial literacy, hospitality management, culinary arts, and more at a temporary campus in Kigali, Rwanda. Akilah will move operations to Bugesera district in 2011. Akilah will be housed in a former government school on the edge of Lake Cyohoha. The Ministry of Education has provided the land and buildings to Akilah. We are very excited for the future of the Akilah Institute and its students and greatly appreciate your help in making their dreams come true.