Africa-Press – Rwanda. Around 120 new students have been enrolled in Ntare Louisenlund School’s (NLS’) academic programme, Class of 2031, during the Golden Journey Convocation. The event marked the official beginning of the academic year and is designed to instill pride, tradition, and a sense of belonging among students.
The inauguration of the “newest Lions,” held on September 29 at the school’s Bugesera District campus, was attended by parents, guardians, and fellow students, along with distinguished guests including Ntare School alumnus and Governor of Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, the Mayor of Bugesera District, Richard Mutabazi and school staff.
With this second cohort, the school’s total student community has now grown to approximately 260 learners.
“As we begin your Golden NLS Journey today, be mindful of the fact that you do not walk this way alone,” said Damien Paul Vassallo, Head of NLS.
Damien Paul Vassallo, Head of NLS, delivers remarks during the September 29 inauguration of the newest Lions at Ntare School Bugesera campus. Photo by Keza Kellya
“You have the support of this learning community, and, believe me, there is strength in numbers; there is strength in journeying together, and our sense of community will guide us. We stick together and empower one another. We are a pride of lions. The NLS Lions!”
“Some of you will go on to discover cures for infectious diseases, develop a life changing software, build your own businesses, plan entire cities, design a new rocket that soars into space, write the policies of nations, and build bridges between peoples – in the literal and metaphorical sense,” he noted.
“You are already chosen,” he emphasised. “You are the top STEM talents in this nation and the young Star Entrepreneurs chosen to be the first Ntare Louisenlund students and the gamechangers and changemakers of your generation, both here in this place and the world over. What a task! What a challenge! And what a future that awaits you!”
HAPPENING: @NtareLouise is hosting The Golden Journey Convocation, the induction of new students, at its Bugesera District campus.
The event marks the official beginning of the Class of 2031’s journey at NLS, bringing together families, faculty, and students for a celebration… pic.twitter.com/qaetM7oS90
— The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) September 29, 2025
NLS is Rwanda’s pioneering international boarding institution, rooted in a partnership with Stiftung Louisenlund in Germany and drawing on the proud legacy of Ntare School Uganda. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) alongside its own Plus-STEM and STAR Entrepreneurship programmes, combining academic rigor with personalised mentorship.
“When we opened last year, we did what we thought was almost impossible,” he explained. To get a school up and running at that quality in such a quick time was nothing short of remarkable and miraculous. We were so grateful to start last school year with such energy and with such motivation and confidence because of all the hard work of our team.”
“It’s almost difficult to beat what we achieved last year but we’re a community that’s all about moving forward, trying to raise our standards, make our educational offerings even more relevant and more exciting for the lives of these students,” he said.
“We expect to have the most advanced, state-of-the-art laboratories of any educational institution in this region. We’re very proud of that, that this will become a learning environment that is shaped by the idea of innovation, excellence and probably most importantly, the joy of learning,” he added.
New students were assigned to eight houses, which the school views as the foundation of its boarding community emphasising that houses are central to both learning and living together.
These houses are Altruismo- “House of Givers” and Servant Leaders (Griffin), Amistad- “House of Friendship” (Peacock)
Isibindi- “House of Courage” (Swan), Reveur- “House of Dreamers” and Idealists (Unicorn), Sollevare- “House of Uplifting” and true good cheer (Phoenix), Nukumori- “House of Kindness” (Dragon), Onraka- “House of Unity” and True Strength (Tiger) and Protos- “House of Success” and Excellence (Bear).
“NLS is positioned to become a true model of academic excellence not only in Rwanda, but also beyond,” noted Rubingisa, Governor of Eastern Province, who was also chief guest.
Governor Pudence Rubingisa, Mayor Richard Mutabazi and Head of NLS Damien Paul Vassallo at the September 29 inauguration of the newest Lions at Ntare School Bugesera campus. Photo by Keza Kellya
“To the newest Lions, being admitted here at NLS is not easy. It’s been a privilege that reflects returns, discipline and also the potential that you have in you. You are among the finest candidates that our nation has today,” he said.
“I want to encourage you to remain committed, don’t take it for granted, be there to cultivate discipline, integrity and prepare yourselves to become tomorrow’s leaders not only for you, your parents but also the nation,” he added.
Annah Giramata Caroline, 12, one of the inductees, said that she is excited for her admission to study at NLS.
“I feel like I’m going to develop my talent and build my career. I expect something bigger because they give us learning about co-cultures and with my choice, I think I’m going to develop something more,” she said.
Speaking of the experience with the school, Ian Ngonga, the Chief House Prefect who’s in Grade 8, said that the sense of community, the curriculum and pedagogy make it a unique school.
“The first thing I like is the STEM programme that teaches us how to use science, technology, engineering and mathematics to solve real world problems,” said Ngoga. “ The second thing I like is the community spirit where we’re taught that all of us are brothers and sisters, family and we have to support each other.”
Ntare School alumnus and Eastern Province Governor Pudence Rubingisa at the inauguration of the newest Lions, held September 29 at the school’s Bugesera campus. Photo by Keza Kellya
Students and staff pose for a group photo during the inauguration of the newest Lions at Ntare School Bugesera campus on September 29. Photo by Keza Kellya
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