I recall the words of Africa Leadership Academy Co-founder Chris Bradford when he was addressing us during our Pre-University orientation in Rwanda, “to achieve more in life and to be successful in life you must be grateful.” When I was doing my A level studies at Makomborero, I never dreamt that one day I would be in the same room with Africa Leadership Academy co-founders, Chris Bradford and Fred Swaniker. I am grateful to Makomborero for opening such doors for me.
I am one of the pioneer students studying Computer Science at Africa University in Zimbabwe on a MasterCard Akwanya Scholarship. Being an Akwanya scholar has been amazing; I am part of the big African family of future leaders. In my cohort we are 25 students from 10 different African Countries. For the past year, I have not only benefited from receiving funds for my studies but I have also been introduced to a network of amazing young Entrepreneurs and other future leaders from Africa Leadership Academy. I have become more confident of a better and brighter future for myself, my Country and my Continent as well.
Apart from Academics, Makomborero provided a gateway into realizing my dormant talent in Music. When I just finished my A levels, in 2013 I had the privilege to Intern at Hellenic Academy where I got the exposure to Orchestral Instruments. In February 2014 I participated in the Eisteddfod Music Festival and I managed to win two trophies, one for outstanding performance and the other one for the most promising Musician 18-25 years category. This year I did a Clarinet Grade five practical examination and I passed with a merit. In a space of two years I have managed to acquire both theory and practical grade five music certificates.
My mother is unemployed at the moment but getting through each day has never been the same since I got the Akwanya Scholarship. I joined a club called The League of African Entrepreneurs which promotes income generating projects on Campus. I have been able to assist my family through the profits I am earning. Life is not only changing for the better for me alone but also to those that surround me, especially my family.
Makomborero gave me the reason to be my brother’s keeper. In my community I started a voluntary project that focuses on assisting many youths who failed Ordinary Level and would like to supplement their subjects. My life indeed is proving Nelson Mandela’s quote “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” hence I also have the desire that most of the youths in my community acquire this weapon as well.
