Monique Schmidt, Program Director
At Akilah, we emphasize women’s empowerment. Our instructors teach about women leaders. Our class skits focus on women’s rights. We read poems about strong women. We create songs about independent women. We reinforce positive characteristics of women every day: strong, independent, smart, capable, brave, hospitable. We believe in women.
It is quite easy to get caught up in our small “pro-woman” world. Sometimes we wonder if we’re the only ones in that world. So, it came as quite a nice surprise to hear a new voice trumpeting the same message. Last week, Akilah had a visit from Herve, a young Rwandan man who is in his fourth year at the university in Rwanda. In an email, he said he wanted to come and deliver a message of support and hope to Akilah women. Did he ever!
Herve, raised by his mother, sang the praises of educating women in a new and refreshing way. He had quotes from current songs “She got her own thing, that’s why I love her, Miss Independent.” He had quotes from Oprah, “I knew there was another world out there.” He had his personal story of strength he had gotten from his mom.
Our students were greatly encouraged by having a young man on their side. The applause was loud for every point Herve made, including one which resonated with much of our Akilah philosophy: “Your attitude, not your aptitude, determines your altitude.”
It was an important day for Akilah. We have known for awhile that American and Rwandan women back our message and philosophy. However, it is invaluable, and greatly encouraging, to know that young, Rwandan men care as well. Thank you Herve!!
This is really encouraging please keep up the good work of educating young women in Rwanda. I would like also to give a contribution through a public lecture to your students about leadership in the hospitality industry. I will really appreciate if given an opportunity. May God bless you and keep up the good work