The Heads of Schools Organisation in Rwanda (HOSO) announced that it will provide full educational support, up to the completion of secondary school, to six students who demonstrated bravery by protecting the national flag during a storm. The students’ actions took place at Cyobe Primary School, located in Mbuye Sector, Ruhango District, on October 2, 2024.
The six students rushed to secure the Rwandan flag as a strong wind threatened to blow it away during a storm that damaged school roofs. Their swift actions were motivated by their belief that allowing the flag to fall could symbolize a loss of national pride. The HOSO highlighted that their bravery stemmed from civic education and patriotism taught at their school and within their families, demonstrating the positive influence of effective school leadership.
During a visit to Cyobe Primary School, HOSO decided to sponsor these six students’ education through to the end of their secondary school journey. One of the students, Gisubizo Ernest, a fourth-grader, was the first to take action, braving the rain to secure the flagpole. “I felt that if the flag touched the ground, it would mean that our country had lost hope. So, I chose to hold on to it until my friends came to help, and we secured it until the teacher arrived to take it down,” he explained.
Among the brave students who supported Gisubizo was Akimanimpaye Josiane, a sixth-grader. She expressed that her actions, like those of her peers, were driven by a sense of duty and respect for the country. “I believed that if the flag fell, it would symbolize a return of colonialism, so I chose to join the others in protecting it. I encourage my fellow students to develop a spirit of cooperation and love for our nation,” she shared.
In addition to HOSO’s commitment, the Ruhango District authorities and the Rwanda National Police leadership honored the students on October 7, 2024. HOSO further pledged to advocate for other schools to promote values such as bravery, education, and national pride.
The organization also called for additional support for these students, as well as contributions to the school lunch program known as ‘Dusangire Lunch,’ aimed at nurturing the students’ growth into responsible citizens. They encouraged those willing to help to make donations via the Mobile Money account of the Teachers’ SACCO using the code 1823*10# and following the provided instructions.
BY umuringanews team
