Late one evening at Kigali International Airport, emotions filled the air as families, teachers, and education leaders waited with excitement and pride. In the arrival hall stood the Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board, officials from the ICT in Education Department, parents, and friends; all eager to welcome home Rwanda’s young heroes.

Ten students from Hope Haven Christian School walked through the terminal carrying medals around their necks and a trophy in their hands after representing Rwanda at the prestigious FIRST LEGO League UNEARTHED World Festival in the United States. It was the end of an unforgettable journey that had transformed their dreams into reality.

Their story had begun months earlier in Kigali

On February 21, 2026, at the Kigali Convention Center, students from different schools gathered for the 2025–2026 FIRST LEGO League competition and AI Ideathon. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as teams showcased robots, innovation projects, and creative solutions designed to solve real-world challenges. Among the competitors stood Hope Haven Christian School.

With determination, teamwork, and creativity, the students impressed judges through their engineering skills, problem-solving abilities, and confidence. Their project reflected not only technical excellence but also collaboration, leadership, and vision. By the end of the competition, Hope Haven Christian School emerged as the winning team, earning the honor of representing Rwanda on the global stage. 

Some had never imagined that their passion for robotics and technology would one day take them across continents. Yet that victory became the beginning of a larger journey; one that would place them among the world’s best young innovators.

Preparations immediately began

Under the guidance of their Headmaster, Mr. Ivan Rukundo, and with support from the Rwanda Basic Basic Education Board (REB), the students spent weeks refining their project, strengthening their presentation skills, and preparing themselves mentally for an international competition. The delegation was led by Madame Diane Uwasenga Sengati, Ag. Head of ICT in Education Department at REB, whose leadership and encouragement motivated the students throughout the journey.

Speaking before departure, Madame Sengati described the students’ participation as a reflection of Rwanda’s growing investment in digital learning and innovation.

“These students are proof that Rwanda’s vision for technology-driven education is becoming a reality. Through STEM and ICT, we are empowering learners to think critically, innovate boldly, and compete confidently on the global stage,” she said.

Before departure, the Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board, Dr. MBARUSHIMANA Nelson, also met the students and encouraged them to carry Rwanda’s flag with pride, confidence, and excellence.

“Believe in yourselves,” he told them. “You are not only representing your school; you are representing Rwanda and the future of African innovation.” Those words remained in their minds as they boarded their flight to the United States.

Thousands of young innovators from across the globe had gathered for the FIRST Championship 2026, one of the world’s biggest celebrations of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

Every corner of the venue reflected creativity and innovation

Robots moved across competition tables. Students exchanged ideas in different languages. Teams presented groundbreaking projects designed to solve challenges affecting communities around the world. For the Rwandan students, it was both exciting and inspiring.

Despite being far from home, the Hope Haven team; also known as Core-X Rwanda; stood confidently among global competitors.

They demonstrated their robotics design, explained their innovation project with clarity, and impressed judges with their teamwork and problem-solving approach. Their discipline, creativity, and collaboration quickly attracted admiration from fellow participants and mentors.

On April 30, 2026, the Core-X Rwanda team earned an Innovative Project Medal for their project called “Deep Trace,” a solution that showcased creativity, research, and technological thinking. Their remarkable performance later led them to win the prestigious “Gracious Professionalism Award,” one of the most respected recognitions at the global championship. The achievement marked a proud moment not only for the school but also for the entire nation.

This was the second time Rwanda participated in the global robotics competition in the United States, following the participation of Christ Roi School in 2024. The success of Core-X Rwanda demonstrated how Rwanda continues to rise as a growing force in youth innovation and STEM education.

Students, said the experience completely changed how he views his future. “Before this competition, I loved technology, but now I truly believe that I can become an engineer and create solutions that help people in Rwanda and beyond,” he said proudly.

They also described the experience as life-changing. “Competing with students from different countries taught me that innovation has no limits. I learned to believe in my ideas, speak with confidence, and work with others to solve problems,” They explained.

A student, Abeza Mary Reply, shared a motivational message to fellow learners back home in Rwanda. “My fellow students, success is possible and comes from determination and having goals. Let us love learning, avoid distractions, and use technology wisely. We are the strength of our country, and we are the generation that will develop it. Let us study with dedication and commitment,” she said

The success of the students demonstrated that Rwandan youth can compete confidently on the world stage when given opportunities, mentorship, and access to quality STEM education. It also reflected Rwanda’s growing investment in innovation, ICT, and hands-on learning as tools for national transformation.

Speaking after the victory, Headmaster Mr. Ivan Rukundo praised the students for their discipline and commitment throughout the journey.

“This achievement belongs to the students who worked tirelessly, to the teachers who guided them, and to Rwanda’s education system that continues to nurture innovation. These young learners have shown the world that Rwanda has talent, vision, and determination,” he said.

When the students returned to Rwanda, they were welcomed as champions

The Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board personally received them at the Kigali International Airport, congratulating them for making the country proud. Families embraced their children with tears of joy while teachers celebrated the achievement as a victory for education in Rwanda.

Speaking during the welcome reception, REB officials praised the students for proving that determination, creativity, and teamwork can open doors to global opportunities.

Rwanda Basic Education Board remains committed to promoting quality education for all citizens of Rwanda by empowering the young generation with the knowledge, skills, creativity, and innovation needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Through continued investment in STEM, ICT, and competency-based learning, REB aims to nurture learners who are capable of solving real-world challenges and contributing meaningfully to national development. This commitment aligns with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, which aspires to transform Rwanda into an upper-middle-income and high-income country founded on knowledge, innovation, technology, and a highly skilled population capable of competing globally.