Irene Ingabire's story:

Irene, 22, lives in the Kacyiru neighborhood of Kigali with her two younger brothers. She is now pursuing a diploma in Hospitality Management at The Akilah Institute for Women in Kigali, Rwanda. Currently finishing her first year of the two-year program, Irene has a clear vision for her future and is prepared to work hard to get there. But life was not always so clear for her. Before coming to Akilah, Irene did not have the money to continue her education after secondary school. “I didn’t think I would continue my education,” she said, discussing the inability to obtain money for school frees.

Irene grew up with her aunt, who she said treated her as one of her own children. “It wasn’t easy,” she said, “but I don’t blame her for our problems. She tried.” Irene said growing up in these conditions definitely had it strains. “I had that inferiority complex, just thinking that I came from this type of family.”

Now in her second year at Akilah, Irene has overcome this complex. “Before I came to Akilah, I was afraid to be a leader,” she said. But today, Irene stands out a natural leader. She recently completed her internship at Zen restaurant – a Kigali favorite. In addition, Irene works for an organization called Amahoro, which helps children infected with HIV. It was this organization that provided money for her secondary school fees, and she proud to now be a leader in the organization.

While she one day hopes to open her own tour company, she says that she always wants to be involved with Amahoro. “I like to welcome people,” she says, discussing her dream of becoming a tour guide.

In order to incorporate both of these goals, Irene knows that her education at Akilah is crucial. Her favorite course is Leadership, which is teaching her to take risks in her daily life. “Before Akilah, I was afraid to take risks,” she said, “Leadership has helped me a lot. Without it, I couldn’t have achieved what I have achieved.”

Aside from her leadership course, Irene enjoys kanatapi- an exercise in which the students reflect and discuss their own experiences. “It’s a time to share anything,” she says of kanatapi. “The reason I like it is because during sharing you find that each and everyone is free to share. We learn through experiences,” she says. Irene believes that sharing personal and professional experiences allows the students to learn from each other, which she believes is key to their success. “To me, it’s supportive.”

“To me, Akilah means family. It’s a place where you can find yourself, discover your potential, a place where you can know your responsibilities and discover how to be responsible in your future.”

Irene is passionate about her dreams for the future. She works hard everyday in order to be one step closer to these dreams. “When people discover potential in you, you have use that opportunity. I used it, and by good chance, I started at Akilah.” Irene continues to be full of potential, passion and promise, today and in her future.