I visited Umubano Academy on 13th and 14th July 2023 and as always it was an inspiring and uplifting experience. At the end of a busy academic year, the atmosphere in the school was a unique mix of calm, purposeful activity and sheer joy. Teachers and students working together in a relaxed way, everyone knowing what they need to do, whether still studying for exams or preparing for the end of year events. I was honoured to join the panel of judges for the Umubano Has Got Talent show and was moved to tears by the performance of the (unanimous!) winning act, a dance by a young woman who despite many setbacks in her life is clearly thriving at this inclusive school which supports all young people to reach for the stars. There were also tears of sadness as APIE and the school team said farewell to Head Teacher, Jean de Dieu Dusingize. He has developed the progressive, productive and peaceful ethos of this school with unwavering dedication and love over the past eight years and leaves a wonderful legacy for his successor.
Angie Kotler Former CEO of APIE (2014-20), Education for Peace Consultant and Researcher, and friend to Umubano Academy. On July 18, 2023, UA staged a solemn closing ceremony for the 2022–2023 academic year. Many parents and teachers attended. It was a gorgeous morning. The ceremony serves as a recap of the academic year as well as a platform for students to thank professors and parents for supporting them in their academic endeavors and provide heartfelt comments. The highlight of the main program are colorful performances, especially the popping and solo performances presented by students. This is the pride of the whole UA community and parents that students are not only passionate about studying but also have rich artistic ability. Thus, a school year has officially closed with proud results from the best efforts of students. Particularly for the primary 6 and senior 3 students, the closing ceremony of the 2022-2023 school year today also has a very significant meaning. Since this moment, they have officially grown up to choose careers with new challenges.
A school open day is always displayed at its best. It may not be a fair representation of a regular school day. However, it will offer you a sense of what happens, give you the flavor of what goes on, hear the head speak, meet students and teachers, and expand your perspective beyond what the website tells. On July 15, UA held the school open day. The major purpose of the event was to take on display what happens inside the school compound for new students. Parents are always welcomed to such events to explore the school's physical environment. Moreover, parents get to know what to expect from the school's skills and knowledge provision.
We have got talents at UA!
The UA talent competition happened this Friday was so amazing. Students have shown their talents in different areas. We had singers, modern and traditional dancers, and poets. All students presented themselves in the hall to support candidates from their continents. There were solo and group performers. A team of three judges fairly gave constructive feedbacks to candidates. The top performers were selected and got rewards. When students are participating in any sports matches or competitions, then they need good teamwork, cooperation, and coordination. Learning these skills during sports activities also helps them in various phases of their life, like in academics or future careers. Students also learn how to cooperate with other teammates to win and enable to respect the other point of views. On July 13, we held an internal student sport competition at UA. Normally, students are divided into groups under the names of the world continents (Europe, Oceania, America, and Asia). Volleyball and Basketball were the sports students had to compete in. Europe won them all.
In February, Umubano Academy staff attended a training session and provided feedback on the APIE designed PSHE (Personal Social and Health Education) curriculum. The curriculum focuses on gender equity while supporting students' Social and Emotional Learning.
After a very good performance of our learners in national examinations, our senior one students have started their classes well and are very happy to be on the next level of their education. Enrolment is ongoing at UA, you are all welcome to join us for a better future of our kids. #education #inclusion #informationtechnology
A huge thank you to everyone who attended our Silent Art Auction yesterday and to Iteme Arts Space for supporting the students to create this amazing work. Thanks to you we raised an incredible £1280!
This will go towards a new playground and sports equipment for the students at Umubano Academy. Play and sport are incredibly important to Umubano Academy's holistic approach to education, helping students to develop healthy lifestyles and boosting engagement in learning. Thank you! We couldn’t do this without your generous support. #artauction #fundraiser #educationmatters #rwanda A huge thank you to everyone who attended our Silent Art Auction yesterday and to Iteme Arts Space for supporting the students to create this amazing work. Thanks to you we raised an incredible £1280!
This will go towards a new playground and sports equipment for the students at Umubano Academy. Play and sport are incredibly important to Umubano Academy's holistic approach to education, helping students to develop healthy lifestyles and boosting engagement in learning. Thank you! We couldn’t do this without your generous support. #artauction #fundraiser #educationmatters #rwanda |
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