Two stories of education and future in Ruanda
Thanks to the funds raised through “The Scholarship that Brings Change”, the solidarity event promoted by Fondazione Marcegaglia and held in May 2025, the commitment to university education in Ruanda has been transformed into concrete opportunities for young female students from the Bugesera District.
The initiative, which combined fashion, social commitment and fundraising, made it possible to allocate €6,120 to create two scholarships in STEM fields – the scientific and technological disciplines that are now central to the development of emerging countries. This support accompanies Rosine and Clarisse in their university journeys: the former studying nursing, the latter pursuing software engineering.
Alongside these two scholarships, for the 2025–2026 academic year the Foundation is also supporting 18 additional students from the same area. These are young people who achieved excellent results in their national exams but, without financial support, would not have been able to access university education.
This initiative is part of the Scholarships Project, active since 2017, through which Fondazione Marcegaglia has already supported more than 220 students, helping to tackle educational poverty and expand access to higher education as a driver of individual and collective growth.
Interview with Rosine
Studying Nursing to Care for Her Community
Can you tell us something about yourself?
My name is Rosine Uwera, I am 20 years old and I live in the Bugesera District. I have three siblings – two sisters and one brother – and I am the second-born.
Before receiving the scholarship, what was your situation?
I had already applied for admission to the Ruli Higher Institute of Health. However, I was very worried because my family did not have the financial resources to allow me to start university.
Has anyone in your family ever attended university, or are you the first?
I am the first. No one in my family had ever attended university before me.
What are you studying at university and why did you choose this path?
I am studying General Nursing. I chose this path because I feel it is my vocation: it is a profession that allows you to help people live better and contribute to the wellbeing of society.
Has your life changed since receiving the scholarship?
Yes, many things have changed. I feel calmer, more confident and stronger in my life journey. This opportunity has also given me a strong desire to help others.
Why is it important for girls in Ruanda to continue studying and access university?
It is essential. In the past, many girls did not have access to education, but today we show that we have the ability to study and contribute to the country’s development. Education improves quality of life and strengthens the ability to make informed decisions, especially in healthcare.
What would you like to say to those who supported you?
I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, not only on my behalf but also on behalf of my family. Your generosity has allowed me to study and build a new life based on my dreams.
What was the first emotion you felt when you found out you had received the scholarship?
I felt immense joy. I thanked God and my heart was full of happiness.
Is there a dream or goal that now feels closer thanks to this opportunity?
Yes. Thanks to this scholarship, I feel I am on the right path to building a better and more dignified future.
Interview with Clarisse
Studying Software Engineering to Create Opportunities Through Technology
Can you tell us something about yourself?
My name is Umutoniwase Clarisse, I am 21 years old and I live in the Juru Sector, Bugesera District. I live with my parents and four siblings. I am the eldest.
Before receiving the scholarship, what was your situation?
Before receiving the scholarship, I worked as an MTN agent, selling phone credit to help support my family. I had applied to the University of Rwanda but did not receive a student loan, and my family could not afford a private university.
Has anyone in your family ever attended university? I am the first in my family to attend university.
What are you studying and why did you choose this field? I am studying Software Engineering at INES Ruhengeri. I love technology and want to create solutions that help people. For example, I dream of developing software for my former secondary school library to improve book management.
Has your life changed since receiving the scholarship? Yes, profoundly. I no longer live with the anxiety related to my university studies. Before, I was often worried and sad.
Why is it important for girls in Ruanda to continue studying? Education gives us the strength to achieve our dreams, contribute to our communities and build a better future. It helps us overcome challenges and inspires other girls to believe in their abilities.
What would you like to say to those who supported you? I would like to sincerely thank everyone who made this opportunity possible. Your generosity has changed my life. I will work hard to succeed and give back to my community.
What was your first reaction when you received the news? I felt immense joy and great relief – I felt that my dreams were finally starting to come true.
Is there a goal that now feels closer? My dream of becoming a software engineer now feels closer than ever. I want to excel in my studies, contribute to my community and become a role model in the field of technology.
Education that Creates the Future
Rosine and Clarisse’s stories clearly demonstrate the value of education as a tool for empowerment, personal growth and community development. Different paths, united by the same opportunity: access to university education as a means of building autonomy, skills and new life perspectives.
Through the Scholarships Project, Fondazione Marcegaglia continues to invest in young talent, supporting students who, despite their commitment and ability, risk seeing their academic paths interrupted due to economic hardship. A commitment that helps combat educational poverty and turn the right to education into a real and lasting opportunity for new generations.
Supporting change together
The scholarships and educational pathways supported by Fondazione Marcegaglia are part of a broader and ongoing commitment to younger generations. Through education, the Foundation stands alongside women, young people and vulnerable communities, creating concrete opportunities for social and economic growth, tackling educational poverty and expanding access to education as a driver of development.
Discover all the projects supported by Fondazione Marcegaglia
You too can help support these pathways of change by allocating your 5×1000 tax contribution to Fondazione Marcegaglia – a simple gesture that helps transform the right to education into a real opportunity for those at risk of exclusion.
