Sierra Teta Kibondo,
Information Systems, Akilah Institut
I am Rwandese and grew up in the capital Kigali. My parents, my two sisters and I live only 15 minutes away from Akilah Institute. I am very lucky to live this close. Most of my classmates take half an hour to one hour to get to class and have to get up very early to be there on time at 8 am. My degree is very challenging but I am also having a lot of fun.
This summer I took part in the 7-week bridge programme of Akilah which prepared us for the start of university. We mostly practiced our English and computer skills but we also learned a lot about our strengths and weaknesses and about teamwork. I especially liked working in a team. When we exchange Ideas and perspectives, we enable ourselves to see the world from another perspective and we can learn a lot from each other.
Akilah Institute prepares us for the labor market and we learn to speak English fluently. At the same time, we are working on ourselves to grow to surpass ourselves. My friends who have graduated from Akilah say that one leaves the university as an entirely new person.
I am studying information systems because I have always had an affinity for technology. Mobile phones, social media, and the internet always have been especially interesting to me.
After graduating I would love to work in global communication and my dream is to one day become CEO of the company I work for. I want to travel a lot for my work and get to know many different people. Interpersonal skills are my strong suit, I enjoy getting to know new people and interact with them.
Many of my friends envy me for my ISA, which helps me to cover 70% of my tuition fees. First, we were a little skeptical towards the model and the contract that comes with it. No one could believe that something like this actually exists. At informative meetings, we got to learn more about Income Share Agreements and before I could sign the contract, I had to pass a test to ensure that I understood it. Hence, I was very nervous even though I knew I could repeat it as many times as I needed to until I understood everything. I think it is great that CHANCEN International makes sure that we really understand the contract, and finally, the test was very easy.
My dad accompanied me to the CHANCEN International informative meetings and he is now very convinced of the ISA model. For my family, this way of financing my studies is a big relief since I have two sisters whose studies they also will have to pay for.
