Questions

Here are some questions and answers that may be helpful.

Question: Why does Forward Africa Education Trust concentrate on Rwanda?

Answer: Rwanda and its people are known to the trustees as Steve has lived and worked there, Megan and Hilary are frequent visitors, and our newest members, Joyeuse and Daniel, are Rwandans.

Question: How many children are you supporting in school?

Answer: We currently finance 23 teenagers (so far 78 students have benefitted).

Question: Are you helping both boys and girls?

Answer: Yes, although in recent years we have focused more on girls as they face higher barriers to continuing their education.

Question: Are your scholarships for primary or secondary aged students?

Answer: We aim to support students through their final three years at secondary school. In Rwanda this is defined as Senior 4, Senior 5 and Senior 6. Students would typically graduate from Senior 6 aged 18 to 20.

Question: How do you select students for scholarships?

Answer: The Forward Africa Education Trust has clearly defined and documented selection criteria that are designed to bring to our attention capable children (those with a good school record) but where their home environment is such that they can not afford to go to school. Typically, the students are the children of poor subsistence farmers or city children with only one parent. The local partners see link submit sponsorship forms to the trustees, who make the final decision.

Question: How much does it cost to send a child to school for one year?

Answer: It costs approximately £600. This is made up of school fees, school materials (including travel), and local partner stipends and expenses.

Question: What proportion of your income goes on UK administration costs?

Answer: Except for money to maintain our website and international banking transfer charges, 100% of our expenditure goes on supporting our students (over 98% of the total). The UK trustees but not benefit by claiming expenses or draw money for any other reason.

Question: Do all your students go to the same school?

Answer: No. Students go to a variety of different schools. Considerations include where the student’s home is, the quality of teaching of nearby schools, class sizes, and whether the school offers the subjects the student wishes to study.

Question: Do support students with disabilities?

Answer: Yes. We are currently supporting 4 students – 2 with physical issues, and 2 with sight impairment.

Question: What happens when a student finishes school?

Answer: We give each student the opportunity to attend a mentorship programme, 12 Saturday sessions over three months. Student feedback gives us confident that these sessions substantially help them identify and achieve their next steps.

Question: What activities do your students pursue after school?

Answer: Some have attended university (law, business studies, biotechnology etc), others train to become nurses (midwifery, general practice), and some have started small businesses (catering, electrical services, hairdressing).