20 June 2025 – Malaika International School in Kigali held a vibrant graduation ceremony, marking a major milestone as students from the daycare, nursery, and primary sections completed their academic journeys.
The event was filled with joy, pride, and excitement as students confidently showcased their talents from robotics to dramatic performances reflecting the hands-on learning and creativity that define the school’s unique approach to education.
Speaking to Kigali Times, Hadiza Linganwa Bouhari, founder and principal of Malaika International School, said her motivation to open the school came from a deep desire to make affordable, high-quality international education accessible to children from diverse backgrounds, where the school opened initially with daycare classes to raise those kids professionally.
“I wanted a space where children from all walks of life could access an international curriculum within a caring, familiar community,” she said.
Founded as a small daycare center, Malaika has since evolved into a Cambridge program-accredited institution, with gradual expansion over the years. Madam Hadiza emphasized that this journey wasn’t quick or easy, but thanks to supportive parents and cooperative local authorities, each year brought a new classroom, new challenges, and new triumphs.
“Our mission,” she explained, “is to partner with families to eliminate ignorance and promote children’s well-being. We aim to develop both students and staff into impactful members of society through outstanding education and meaningful service. Above all, we are committed to nurturing each child’s curiosity and building a lifelong love for learning.”
One area that sets Malaika apart is its bold focus on technology and innovation, even at the primary level. Jonas Byiringiro, the school’s Director of Studies, said the school is intentionally investing in robotics and artificial intelligence as essential pillars of its academic foundation.
“We’re living in a digital era, and the future belongs to those who can innovate,” he explained.
“Our goal is to expose students to tech tools and computational thinking from an early age so that they grow up solving problems, not just memorizing content. Through coding workshops, robotics demonstrations, and basic AI integration, we are preparing them to be future innovators, engineers, and thinkers the world will depend on.”
He added that even though the students are young, their ability to grasp and apply complex technology is impressive. By giving learners real-world skills, the school hopes to plant seeds that grow into long-term career paths, global competitiveness, and creative confidence.
Among the standout graduates was Rwema Shami Prince, a Grade 6 student who joined the school as a baby in daycare. Now, after ten years, he proudly shared that he scored 100% in Mathematics under the Cambridge system and dreams of becoming an IT specialist.
“I’ll miss Malaika,” he admitted, “because it’s more than a school—it’s a family.”
Another key strength of the school is its approach to language development, particularly in English. Akakigonza George William, one of the school’s senior English teachers, emphasized the need for practical engagement in language lessons.
“Language is not just grammar and vocabulary,” he said. “It’s expression, confidence, and communication. That’s why we use debates, storytelling, creative writing, speech contests, book clubs, and role-play exercises to make our students active users of the language.”
He pointed out that even shy students begin to find their voice through these activities. “You see them stand up and speak in front of a crowd without fear, that’s when you know learning is happening. They are able to present news content, and next time, some of them will replace you in the media.”
As the school prepares to welcome a new generation of learners, the message from staff and students is clear: Malaika International School is not just growing, it’s shaping Rwanda’s future.
REACH OUT TO MALAIKA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL:
Website: https://malaikainternationalschool.com/
Address: Kigali City, Rwanda. Kimironko, KG 139 St, No:24 – Phone: +250 784 532 522
Gabriel UZABAKIRIHO / KIGALI TIMES