Imagine a world where value-based learning and an entrepreneurial mindset are ingrained in the DNA of the younger generation.
That vision was noticeable during the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024 at Ntare Louisenlund School. BPN Rwanda was honored to celebrate GEW 2024 with the school. Our Country Director, Mrs Alice Nkulikiyinka, led two workshops with the Ntare students. Alongside some of Rwanda’s budding entrepreneurs, she also participated in a dynamic panel discussion, moderated by two students.
The theme of the week, “Entrepreneurship is for Everyone,” resonated deeply in this setting, where students as young as 13 displayed a remarkable understanding of entrepreneurship. This wasn’t just another standard workshop. It was a beautiful event of energy, profound discussions, and eye-opening moments that left everyone—students, entrepreneurs, and organizers alike—filled with hope for the future of entrepreneurship in Rwanda and beyond.
Why This Event Mattered
At BPN Rwanda, we believe entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting businesses—it’s about creating value, solving problems, and giving back to the community. That’s why this event mattered to us. We encourage our entrepreneurs to lead by example, and this day showed just how impactful that mindset can be. It wasn’t just about teaching; it was about mentoring, listening, and inspiring the teenagers to link their remarkable entrepreneurship knowledge to concrete, practical change in their own lives and communities.
Youth Taking Ownership
From the moment we arrived at the Ntare School, the students set the tone for an unforgettable day. Each dormitory introduced themselves with chants that reflected their values and principles. It was vibrant, loud, and utterly captivating—a perfect way to kick off the event. But the real magic happened during the workshops. These teenage students weren’t just attendees; they were leaders in their own right. They moderated discussions with the poise of seasoned panelists and asked questions that left everyone in awe.
One standout moment was when a 13-year-old confidently asked, “How do you stay true to your values while managing the pressures of growth?” That level of depth and curiosity was nothing short of inspiring.
Lessons from Rwanda’s Finest Entrepreneurs
The event was also a platform for entrepreneurs to share their wisdom. Their stories were raw, relatable, and packed with lessons that transcended the business world:
- Vivens Uwizeyimana , the founder of Umurava , shared a vital lesson: rejection is part of the journey. “In entrepreneurship, you’ll hear no more often than yes. Don’t let it drag you down. Learn from it, adjust, and keep going.” Takeaway: Rejection isn’t the end; it’s a stepping stone to greater opportunities.
- Ignace Turatsinze , a champion of scalable solutions, compared entrepreneurship to the snake game. “Anticipate challenges and plan ahead. Love what you do so much that when the tough times come, you won’t burn out.” Takeaway: Passion and preparation are your greatest allies. Seek mentorship early and think big.
- Umuhoza Amina , with her incredible story of resilience, reminded the students: “We didn’t have role models when we started, but now we’re here to guide you. Discipline will take you far. Embrace your uniqueness—it’s your superpower.” Takeaway: Dream big, stay disciplined, and lean into what makes you unique.
A Glimpse of the Future
What stood out most wasn’t just the lessons shared by the entrepreneurs, but the brilliance of the students themselves. These young teenage leaders showed an understanding of entrepreneurship that was far beyond their age. They planned the day’s agenda, coordinated logistics, and ensured everything ran smoothly. Their confidence, creativity, and sense of responsibility were extraordinary.
A particularly memorable moment was when a young student confidently pitched an innovative solution to address transportation challenges on campus: a bicycle rental business. His idea was not only practical and thoughtful but also showcased an impressive ability to identify and solve real- life campus problems. This exemplified the emphasis Ntare Louisenlund School places on fostering critical thinking—an approach underscored by the Head of School, Damien Vassallo, who highlighted it as a cornerstone skill in preparing students for a successful future.
It was a moment of clarity: if we continue to nurture this kind of energy and mindset, the future is in safe hands.
This initiative showed that entrepreneurship isn’t reserved for adults with MBAs or years of experience. It’s for anyone willing to think differently, embrace challenges, and create solutions, including teenagers. They students reminded us of something essential: entrepreneurship is about more than business. It’s about values, persistence, and using your unique gifts to make an impact.
A Final Thought
As the day wrapped up, one thing became clear: the world needs more of this. More mentorship, more conversations, and more opportunities to empower the next generation.
