Akilah Institute

More details about our season of Selah on our substack. https://open.substack.com/pub/akilahrwanda/p/what-happened-to-akilah-and-davis?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

It’s been one year since the passing of Dr. Carmen Nibigira, a visionary leader whose impact continues to shape Akilah and the wider region.

Carmen joined Akilah as an advisor in 2010 with characteristic conviction and went on to serve as a devoted board member and Board Chair for 14 years. Her leadership was instrumental in expanding access to transformative education in Rwanda and Burundi, including the establishment of Akilah Burundi, which she championed with extraordinary dedication.

A trailblazer in sustainable tourism, Carmen held influential roles across East Africa, contributing to regional tourism policy, conservation-focused development, and the mentorship of emerging leaders. She combined academic excellence—including a PhD from Clemson University—with an unwavering commitment to community empowerment.

Carmen believed deeply in the potential of young people and the power of education to transform lives. Her values—resilience, service, and purposeful leadership—continue to guide our work every day.

As we honor her today, we celebrate a legacy that lives on in the students she inspired, the institutions she strengthened, and the countless lives shaped by her vision.

Thank you, Dr. Carmen. Your light continues through all of us.
💛

Upcoming Akilah Alumni Events ⭐️

We are thrilled to invite you to a season of inspiring alumni gatherings — spaces to grow, connect, and lead with purpose.

She Leads Workshop — Nov 22
Discover the power of leading authentically and confidently while embracing your unique leadership journey.

Purpose & Possibility Circle — Dec 20
Pause, reflect, and reignite your sense of purpose as you envision new possibilities for the year ahead.

Legacy & Impact Dialogue — Feb 28
Engage in meaningful conversations on building impact, leaving a legacy, and shaping change in your community.

📍 #15 423 Gacuriro | 🕒 3–6 PM | 🎟️ Ticket: 10K
📞 0784714547

In 2024, we began a new chapter—searching for a permanent campus in Rwanda while bidding farewell to our rented space in downtown Kigali. For 15 years, we prioritized scholarships, teacher training, and curriculum development over property investment, focusing on education and empowerment. Now, new regulations require higher education providers to own their campuses, prompting this transition.

Leaving downtown Kigali is bittersweet, but this change allows us to grow from a technical college into a degree-granting university. We are exploring locations in Kigali and the northern province to find the best fit for our future. ⭐️

While admissions into accredited programs are temporarily paused, our commitment to our community remains steadfast. We continue to host workshops, retreats, and gatherings for our 6,000 alumni. This transition is more than a move—it’s an opportunity to redefine our future and expand our impact. ❤️

Our founders, Elizabeth and Dave, recently hosted an intimate dinner at their cherished Akilah Villa. For over 15 years, this space has been more than just a home; it has been a vibrant hub for our office, a serene retreat center, and the backdrop for countless gatherings celebrating our graduates and staff. This particular evening was a tapestry of connections, as graduates from the Classes of 2013 and 2014, affectionately known as our Elders, mingled with the fresh faces of the Classes of 2023 and 2024. Among the attendees were children who once played together in the Akilah Creche, a nurturing space that enabled their mothers to pursue their studies.

Adding a special touch to the evening was a heartfelt singing performance by their daughter, Lorraine Hughes, who at just 11 years old, captivated everyone with her talent. The air was filled with inspiration as stories of personal triumphs and professional milestones were shared. These remarkable leaders are making their mark in fields such as hospitality, finance, data science, and education. The enduring friendships forged on campus continue to thrive, a testament to the lasting bonds formed during their time at Akilah and Davis College.
❤️ 🇷🇼

We are proud to launch the Dr. Carmen Nibigira Scholarship Fund, a tribute to a trailblazer in women’s education and sustainable tourism. This fund will support female students in Rwanda pursuing studies in tourism and hospitality, ensuring Carmen’s legacy continues to empower future leaders.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Dr. Nibigira’s life by contributing to this scholarship fund. Every donation, no matter the size, will directly support tuition for young women in Rwanda, enabling them to access quality education and pursue careers in tourism and hospitality. Your generosity will help empower the next generation of leaders who will contribute to sustainable development in the region.

Scholars will be selected by a panel of judges composed of Carmen’s colleagues and friends based on academic accomplishments, leadership track record, integrity, and commitment to social impact.

The Akilah Institute is in a season of transition from a technical college to a university and relocation to a new campus. We are not currently enrolling new students. Scholarships will be awarded to other institutions in Rwanda, selected by the Scholarship Committee.

Learn more at the link in our profile.

How to Donate

Momo. Send your contribution to Anastasie Kakuze, Akilah Operations Manager, 0784714547

Bank transfer. Equity Bank. 4003211287096 Davis College

Online. https://akilahinstitute.funraise.org/

When Carmen died a few days ago, a WhatsApp group was created to honor her extraordinary life. What began as a small gathering of loved ones quickly grew to over 400 members from around the world sharing stories and inspiring memories.

The group has become a beautiful celebration of Carmen’s life—and a nourishing way to grieve.

The messages paint a vivid portrait of Carmen’s journey, from her early days as a refugee leaving Burundi for high school in the UK, to her years of academic excellence while pursuing her PhD at Clemson University, to her pivotal role as a dedicated board member at Akilah and Davis College for 14 years, and a champion of the African sustainable tourism industry. Each post is a testament to her vibrant joy, unwavering passion, and ability to inspire and uplift everyone around her.

Her legacy shines brightly through the lives she touched and the love she so freely gave.

— Akilah and Davis alumni and staff, please join us on Monday, November 25 at the Akilah Villa for a reception to honor Carmen’s life and legacy. Reception starts at 3, program at 5.

Dr Carmen with the Akilah Burundi students. Spending time with these creative and inspiring leaders brought her immeasurable joy. She saw the future of her beloved Burundi in their eyes.

On Monday, November 25, the Akilah and team is hosting a reception for alumni to honor Carmen’s legacy. Please let us know if you can join between 3-7 pm at the Akilah Villa in Nyarutarama.

As we mourn the painful loss of our beloved Board Chair, Dr Carmen Nibigira, please join us on Monday at the Akilah Villa for a celebration of an extraordinary woman who brought infinite passion and energy to the Akilah and Davis College community. Space is limited so please RSVP to Fiston or send us a message here.

It is with profound sadness that I share the sudden passing of our beloved Board Chair, Dr. Carmen Nibigira. Carmen was one of the most loving and extraordinary people I have ever known. She was one of the first to believe in me and the Akilah vision.

Carmen contacted me in 2010, soon after we opened Akilah, with a declaration: “I HAVE to be a part of this!”

Over the next 15 years as a board member, Carmen infused our institution with her unmatched dedication, grace and commitment to transformative education for underserved youth.

When Akilah was still in its infancy, Carmen’s determination led us on a remarkable journey. She convinced me and Dave to travel to Burundi to meet with the President and Minister of Education. “Burundian women must have a college where they can become leaders and entrepreneurs,” she insisted.

Her leadership made the impossible possible. Carmen spearheaded the launch of Akilah Burundi, and ensured that it thrived, impacting hundreds of women. Even when instability and violence forced the relocation of our Burundian students to Rwanda, her resilience kept the mission alive.

Carmen’s passion was boundless. Whether mentoring the ladies of Akilah, leading the tourism ministry in Burundi, or devising strategies to empower young Africans through entrepreneurship and conservation, she brought infectious energy to everything she touched.

Her approach to challenges was inspiring. Carmen faced every obstacle with a calm resilience and an unshakeable belief that “this too shall pass.” She had a rare gift: she was both a loving, supportive friend and an encouraging force who pushed those around her to become the best versions of themselves. Whenever I faced a problem or insecurity, I called Carmen and she radiated unconditional love and wise counsel- a gift she shared generously with so many.

As we mourn this painful loss, I ask you to keep Carmen’s family in your thoughts and prayers, especially her sons, Dominick and Merrick, who were the loves of her life.

Carmen’s legacy will forever be a part of Akilah and the many lives she touched. We will honor her memory by continuing the transformative work she was so passionate about.
-Edh 💔

To our Esteemed Alumni community,

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Contemplative Programs, a new initiative designed to foster mindfulness, personal growth, and meaningful connections among our graduates.

Programs on Offer:

1. Growth-Getter Book Club
2. Contemplative Dialogues and Storytelling Circles.
3. Contemplative Leadership Retreats

>Register Online through the link in our bio to sign up and explore upcoming events and activities.

Join Us on This Transformational Journey!
We can’t wait to see you again!