On May 31, 2024, WEI scholar Kazeneza Didacienne will graduate from the University of Kigali in Rwanda, with a bachelor’s degree in IT/Information Management. While pursuing her studies, Kaze also volunteered as a mentor/trainer with students in a Science Technology and Mathematics program.

A brief email update from Kaze

This December, Kazeneza completed her first year of studies at the University of Kigali. She worked and studied with diligence, particularly during the challenges of the pandemic.

She finished with a “B” average. She is thrilled to begin her second year of studies.

As of our December board meeting, WEI has approved funds to support Kaze return to school. She will be attending the University of Kigali starting March 21, 2020 to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Information and Technology. This is a two-year program.

My sister, Karen Hatch, received a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness in August 2020. Under hospice care at her home, Karen stayed up late one night before Christmas talking with me. Karen told me that she wanted to make a donation to a nonprofit, to something that she cared about. And she wanted to learn more about the educational nonprofit. She wanted to hear the stories of the women we’d offered scholarships.

It has always been clear that Kaze’s Advanced (A1) Diploma was a bridge to the next phase of her education. Since graduating from Integrated Polytechnic Regional College in May, she has been volunteering at the Rwanda Education Board and waiting for more funds so that she can apply to the Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA) in Kigali, Rwanda.

We are thrilled to announce that Kaze has graduated from IPRC Rwanda with a degree in electronics and electrical engineering.

We received an update from Kaze— she just completed her summer internship at Rwanda Broadcasting Agency. Kaze is returning to school at Integrated Polytechnic Regional College in Kigali, Rwanda in the fall, and will be graduating in October of this year

We found Kaze through Nicole, one of my students at Allegheny College in PA. Nicole met Kaze during a study abroad program, and has set up a GoFundMe to help Kaze finish her studies. When the GoFundMe didn’t generate enough money to support the rest of her education, we decided to help fund the her continued studies at Integrated Polytechnic Regional College.

From Nicole Gross-Camp, Visitng Professor of Environmental Science and Sustainability, Alleghney College:

I have only met Kazeneza on a handful of occasions; I ‘know’ her best through her father and friend, Martin. In the many evenings we passed together in the park, our respect and affection for one another grew. Rwandans, as in many other cultures, put a lot of expectations on their children, especially their first born. Martin was no different expecting Kazeneza to accomplish great things. We began to support Kaze’s studies in high school and were thrilled to learn of her success in securing a place at University.