Following the harrowing aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda encountered an immense challenge. Schools stood vacant, classrooms resonating with the silence left by educators who had fled, perished, or were incapacitated by trauma.
Amidst the trials facing the public education system in the post-war era, private schools emerged as beacons of hope. Forward-thinking Rwandans embarked on establishing educational institutions to broaden access to learning.
It was within this context of a nation in recovery that Bright Academy, a private day and boarding school, emerged in Nyagatare in 1996. Driven by a determination to rebuild, Bright Academy commenced its journey as a modest coaching center.
The school was initially founded by Emmanuel Saruhara, who served as the Legal representative. Following his tenure, the mantle was passed on to Dr. Amos Mugisha, the current Legal representative, with his partner Claude Niyitanga. Under their stewardship, Bright Academy has continued its mission of providing quality education and shaping the future of Rwanda.
The two educators, Dr. Mugisha and Niyitanga, jointly manage different sections of Bright Academy. Dr. Mugisha oversees the Day Care to O-Level sections, while Niyitanga is responsible for TVET.
Solomon Bukenya, the School Principal elucidates the vision of Bright Academy: “To prepare children to pursue their aspirations and contribute to the world for God’s Glory.”
Solomon Bukenya, Principal of Bright Academy
Bright Academy runs on a foundation of Seventh Day Adventist.
Over the years, Bright Academy has metamorphosed into a bastion for nurturing young intellects. Presently, the school provides a comprehensive educational journey spanning daycare, nursery, primary, O-level, A-level, and TVET programs, supplemented by a boarding section for Secondary, TVET or Short courses.
TVET programs bear trades like Multimedia production, Software development, Masonry-Building construction and Automobile Technology.
Through this holistic approach, students not only acquire academic proficiency but also cultivate practical skills and ethical principles.
With unwavering dedication to excellence, Bright Academy has consistently delivered high-quality education, molding the minds of countless students. This commitment is evidenced by its perennial ranking among the nation’s top schools and remarkable achievements, such as a student securing the top position in national examinations in 2012.
“We believe that every student is capable of success. Through devotion and extracurricular activities, we guide them on a transformative journey,” proudly asserts the Principal.
Bukenya underscores Bright Academy’s preparation of students to compete on a national scale, including in the capital city, Kigali. He emphasizes that prioritizing quality education is paramount, as it serves as the cornerstone of success. With inclusivity at its core, the school offers affordable access to premium education, empowering students from diverse backgrounds to emerge as future leaders.
The school’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. The administration acknowledges the influence of the surrounding environment, emphasizing their dedication to shaping students into “better people” despite external factors.
Bukenya reaffirms this dedication, stating, “As a school, we embrace students from diverse backgrounds and behaviors. Our commitment is to foster their holistic development, notwithstanding the external milieu.”
Bright Academy takes pride in its role in Nyagatare’s developmental trajectory, actively contributing to the district’s academic prowess through initiatives such as “Imihigo” (performance contracts).
Furthermore, the school fosters a sense of community by engaging former students and collaborating with local institutions. Beyond academics, Bright Academy champions sports participation, exemplified by its involvement in events like the Kagame Cup, underscoring its commitment to nurturing talents and fostering positive character traits.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of the Government of Rwanda, the school administration underscores the significance of creating an enabling environment for private-public collaboration in the country’s socio-economic advancement.
They express profound gratitude for the substantial support received from the government through the district, attributing a significant portion of their success to this fruitful partnership.
