Learners in Rwanda excel on the court and in the classroom.
In 2023, SNHU’s Global Education Movement (SNHU GEM) partner, Kepler, formed the program’s first basketball team. Today, the Kepler students on the men’s and women’s basketball teams have won tournaments, built a dedicated fanbase, and are cementing their place as some of the strongest competitors in the Rwandan Basketball League.
Kepler is SNHU GEM’s on-the-ground partner in Rwanda, where they provide wraparound academic and livelihood supports for refugee learners and other marginalized communities in Rwanda. SNHU GEM works with Kepler to ensure that refugee learners not only excel in their degree programs, but have access to important extracurricular activities like creative writing and athletics.
During the 2023 season, the Kepler men’s basketball team beat more than 20 other teams and placed second in their division. This impressive feat earned the team a promotion to Division 1, the highest division in the country, for the 2024 season. The team now competes among some of the best players in the country – the winner of this division plays in the Basketball Africa League, the pan-African league sponsored by the NBA. Many also join the Rwanda national team.
“What inspired me was being a part of a program with the goal of developing our talents and creating some of the best athletes in the country,” said Victor Songa, a Kepler learner and point guard on the men’s basketball team. Victor is currently pursuing his BA in Business Management.
“My experiences in the classroom have equipped me with different skills, not only for the workplace but everyday life,” he said. “It has made me more confident in my decision making and critical thinking.”
The success of the men’s basketball team sparked interest in creating a women’s team. René Shabu, Kepler’s Associate Director of Sports, saw the growing demand from female students and worked closely with learners to build a team of capable students and athletes.
“The support from both athletes and the broader student community has been instrumental in bringing the women’s team to fruition,” René said. “We’re happy with the enthusiastic response.”
The women’s team also had a strong start to their inaugural season – in their first competition, the Legacy Tournament, the team defeated the reigning champions and brought home the trophy.
Chrétienne Irumva Byukusenge, a member of the Kepler women’s basketball team, is proud of the progress she made during the team’s first season, when she worked hard to improve her performance on the court. “I am now happy to have significant playing time and to contribute to the team here,” she said. “It’s been a rewarding journey.”
The Kepler program staff encourage refugee learners to excel both on and off the court.
“The team’s supportive environment and collaborative spirit motivated me,” said Chrétienne. She also believes the experience has made her a better student, strengthening her decision-making, communication, and leadership skills.
René and the Kepler program staff have ambitious plans to continue expanding the basketball programs for men and women. They have launched a second division basketball team for men and will lead summer camps to encourage students in primary and middle school who are interested in playing basketball.
“I really think the team has a bright future,” said Victor.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated to better reflect the enrollment status of quoted students and the team’s affiliation with Kepler.
