Kigali Student Pays Classmate’s Tuition Through Savings Habit

A youth-focused development organization, Afri-Global Cooperation Program Ltd, has urged young people to embrace a culture of saving early instead of waiting until they start earning, emphasizing that financial discipline can change lives even at a young age.

This message was shared during a financial literacy session held on October 29, 2025, at Kagarama Secondary School in Kigali, where students were encouraged to start saving from the little they receive.

Encouraging a Culture of Saving

Afri-Global’s CEO, Michael Shyaka Nyarwaya, said that under Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), the country aims to increase the national savings rate from 12.4% to 25%, which requires strong awareness campaigns targeting the youth. “Many young people think saving is for the rich,” Shyaka said. “But saving is about self-discipline setting aside a small portion of what you have. Even saving Rwf 100 a day makes Rwf 36,000 a year.”

He added that the organization teaches students practical financial habits, helping them plan for the future instead of waiting to be employed after graduation.“When you finish school with savings, you can think about investing rather than just looking for a job,” he said. “We partner with many institutions to help young people develop business projects once they have a starting point.”

A Student’s Inspiring Act

Among the students who benefited from the training is Shami Rindiro Benigne, a Senior Six student at Kagarama Secondary School, who has managed to save over Rwf 700,000 since starting his savings journey in Senior Three.

Inspired by his parents, Shami began saving small amounts from his daily school allowance. “I started by saving coins  even Rwf 100 a day,” he said. “Over time, it grew. I saved every bit I could.”

In an inspiring gesture, Shami decided to use part of his savings to pay school fees for a classmate who had dropped out due to financial hardship. “When I told my parents, they were proud and encouraged me,” he shared. “Now I’m paying my friend’s school fees from my savings.”

Building a Saving Culture from Home

Joyce Mukarutesi, Product Manager at Equity Bank Rwanda Plc, emphasized the role of parents in nurturing saving habits among children. “Parents should open savings accounts for their children,” she said. “We have child savings accounts that parents can contribute to until the child turns 18. When children see and take part in this, they grow up valuing saving.”

Innocent Bijyiyobyenda, Deputy Head Teacher at Kagarama Secondary School, said the training complements what students learn in class. “We teach financial management as part of our curriculum, but it’s important that students also see its impact in real life,” he said.