Statistics taken by the government state that on a national level, only 10% of children ages 13–18 are enrolled in secondary school (The Economic Development Poverty Reduction Strategy, 2006).

The Rwandan government values education and its importance for the development of the country. Two of its strategic goals for the future are to build a knowledge-based economy and to invest in human resources. These goals will lead to further economic and community development. (Vision 2020)

We have a tremendous opportunity to help children succeed in education so they can help to rebuild Rwanda. 

Statistics taken from Unicef show:

• About 50% of the population of Rwanda is under the age of 18.
• There are 860,000 orphans among the population, ages 0–17 years-old (Source: Unicef)
• 30,000: the number of child-headed households (Source: Unicef)
• 10%: the percentage of children ages 13–18 years-old enrolled in secondary school (Source: Economic Development & Poverty Reduction Strategy 2008-2012, Rwanda Gov't)
• $350: the average cost of one year of secondary school fees
• $370: the average annual income (Source: USAID Rwanda)
• 90%: the percentage of the population whose occupation is subsistence farming
• 77%: the percentage of the population that falls below the international poverty line (Source: Unicef)
• 50%: the percentage of unemployed people who live in the village of Akindege