Through the window, I see schoolchildren listening attentively to their teacher. The classroom is full of future entrepreneurs, scientists, politicians, tech gurus, artists, farmers, and jacks-of-all-trades.
One day, some of these kids will hold jobs that don’t yet exist. Others will sell products that haven’t been invented. Among them are service providers in the making, developing ideas that haven’t even been imagined. Welcome to the future.
Today, I’m visiting City Infant & Primary School, located in Rusororo Sector, Gasabo District. I’m here to meet Mrs. Teddy Gacinya, the founder and sole proprietor of the school. As I take the stairs to her office, I glance at my watch one more time hoping I am not even a minute late for my appointment with the principal.
“Education is part of me,” Mrs. Gacinya says, introducing herself with quiet conviction. The award-winning academician beams with pride as she talks about nurturing elementary school children—laying strong foundations and shaping the minds of the next generation of leaders.
As she shares her story, one of her 280-plus kids walks in and momentarily interrupts our conversation. With a warm smile, she excuses herself to tend to the child’s need. Her natural, motherly affection is on full display. While she’s away, I gaze through the window and soak up the view.
The rapidly growing suburbs of Kabuga, Kanombe, and Masaka stretch into the distance. From lavish mansions and luxury villas to sleek apartments and modest housing units, the city is expanding right before my eyes. This rapid expansion calls for more classrooms, more teachers, and more dedicated leaders like Mrs. Gacinya.
Her journey in education began in 1994, in the aftermath of the Genocide against the Tutsi. She played a pivotal role in the development of a new curriculum and was instrumental in the nationwide effort to get children off the streets and back to school, where they belong. Her impact has been both profound and lasting.
City Infant & Primary School was founded in 1998. Initially, the school was set up in a rented property in Kimironko Sector. In 2014, Mrs. Gacinya moved it to its current campus on the city’s outskirts. The relocation came with logistical challenges for many parents, some of whom chose to enroll their children in more conveniently located schools.
While the move led to a dip in enrollment, the future looks promising. As Greater Kigali continues to grow, so too will the demand for quality education in these emerging neighborhoods. One thing is certain: City Infant & Primary School is ready to rise to the challenge.
Mrs. Gacinya is steadily building a lasting legacy. Her unwavering commitment to education and her passion for nurturing future professionals continue to leave an indelible mark on the lives she touches.