An uplifting experience

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.