NEWS

In a significant step towards enhancing digital literacy and empowering students, the University of Rwanda’s Rukara Campus witnessed a momentous laptop distribution ceremony on March 25, 2024. The event, graced by the presence of Mrs. Aissa Sow, the Representative of the Mastercard Foundation’s Country Manager, marked a milestone in the ongoing partnership between the Foundation and the Government of Rwanda.

Addressing a gathering of esteemed guests including the Minister of State for Education, Hon,Claudette Irere, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Prof Kayihura Muganga Didas, academic staff, and enthusiastic students, Mrs. Sow delivered a compelling message, emphasizing the transformative power of education and technology. Expressing her delight at being part of the laptop distribution program, Mrs. Sow highlighted the extensive collaboration between the Mastercard Foundation and Rwanda, alongside Uganda and Ghana, in advancing pan-African initiatives.

With a steadfast commitment to building digital literacy as a cornerstone of the Foundation’s work, Mrs. Sow underscored the significance of investing in education and skills development. She articulated the Foundation’s ambitious goal of creating over 300,000 jobs by 2030, emphasizing the pivotal role of young people in driving economic growth and fostering employment opportunities.

"The laptops distributed today are not merely devices ; they are potent tools for students to harness and create meaningful opportunities," remarked Mrs. Aissa Sow during her address at the ceremony. She emphasized their role in equipping students with essential skills to navigate the evolving job market, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. Citing projections from the World Economic Forum, she highlighted the imperative for students to adapt to changing job dynamics, where 85 million jobs are anticipated to transform or disappear in the coming years.

Sow’s message conveys hope and empowerment, and urges students to embrace the laptops as pathways to a brighter future. Mrs.Sow emphasized the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive growth and driving socio- economic development through education and innovation.

The laptop distribution ceremony served not only as a practical endeavor but as a symbolic gesture of partnership, collaboration, and progress towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.