About

Founded in September 1999 Sœurs Benebikira, Collège Immaculée Conception Save is a Catholic secondary school located in Gisagara District, Southern Rwanda. It began with 109 students, established in response to the community’s need for education following the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Rooted in faith and service, the school has grown from humble beginnings into a leading educational institution in the region.

As part of the Diocese of Butare’s network of Catholic schools, Collège Immaculée Conception Save plays a key role in advancing the Church’s mission. Located in Save Sector—the historic site of Rwanda’s first Catholic parish— the school carries deep religious and cultural significance. The school is guided by the motto “Rise and Shine,” and the founders held a vision to provide quality education and spiritual support, especially for vulnerable children.

Sr. Marie Vénantie NYIRABAGANWA, the General Superior of Benebikira Sisters in Rwanda, explained that the school began by caring for orphans shortly after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. 6 In the aftermath of National devastation, countless children were left without families or homes. In response, Benebikira Sisters stepped in to provide them with shelter, care, and education—offering not just a home, but hope for a better future.

Among the first students enrolled were children taken in by the Benebikira Sisters at CERAI, many of whom came from the families of the Sisters themselves.

Fully licensed by the Ministry of Education and accredited by the National Examination Centre, the school now ensures students receive nationally recognized certifications upon graduation.

Firmly anchored in Catholic values, the school combines academic learning with spiritual and moral development. It offers a nurturing environment for both boys and girls, emphasizing Christian teachings, discipline, and compassion. Special care has also been extended to orphans and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In the final quarter of 2024, the school proudly began its silver jubilee celebrations, marking 25 years of impactful education and community service. This milestone not only honors the school’s journey so far but also sets the stage for the next chapter—toward 50 years of excellence. The celebrations reflect the deep pride shared by staff, students, alumni, and the broader community, all of whom continue to uphold and embody the school’s enduring values From makeshift classrooms in the early days—some of which were the sisters’ own homes— the school has expanded significantly, now serving 559 students across various academic tracks including Accounting, Sciences, and Technology.

Sr. Marie Catherine KAZIBERA, who has been serving as the school Headteacher since 2016, highlights how the school has become a beacon of excellence and moral leadership. “The idea to start the school was rooted in a strong religious foundation, aiming not just to educate, but 7 to shape individuals grounded in faith, dignity, and responsibility.”

“The school was found to be a solution to the community, to cultivate human dignity, compassion, integrity, and moral responsibility—core values that define good character, education, upbringing, and respectful living in society. The goal was to raise children with discipline, values, and moral direction.” She explains.

She notes that community warmly welcomed the school during a time of national healing and rebuilding. As the country grappled with post-genocide realities, the school became a sanctuary of hope, offering education, structure, and purpose to children in need. The community needed access to education while others needed a home, Collège Immaculée Conception Save provided both. Children received a home and an education at a time the country was having difficulty. The school played a vital role for families devastated by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. From the beginning, it was built on a spirit of compassion and service—values that have guided its growth, driven by love and dedication.

“Education here isn’t just about books. It’s about nurturing souls,” says Innocent RUBONEKA, a language teacher who has served at the school for over two decades.

RUBONEKA recalls how the Benebikira Sisters stepped in with compassion during one of the darkest chapters in Rwanda’s history. Many students were still traumatized, and the learning environment was extremely challenging—there were no enough meals at school, learning materials were scarce, and only one small science lab served the entire student body.

Today, the school has transformed remarkably. It now boasts of a solid infrastructure, including modern classrooms, three fully equipped science laboratories, a computer lab, a library, and improved welfare facilities for both students and staff.

Sr. Marie Catherine KAZIBERA recalled that, in the early days of the school, some Benebikira Sisters opened their own homes for students. One house would serve boys and the other girls. The school was founded at a time when it was most needed— and it was built on a foundation of compassion, dedication, and a deep passion for educating the next generation.

They welcomed not only orphans but also other children in need of education. By 2003– 2004, some partners stepped in to support the expansion of 8 the school, helping to establish classes. From the outset, the school embraced inclusivity, never turning anyone away. The government also played a crucial role by providing security to ensure students could travel to and from school safely.

In 2017, the school built a boys’ boarding section, expanding its facilities to accommodate male students on campus. In 2021, it further expanded by opening a girls’ boarding facility. Today, the school offers full boarding services for both girls and boys. Jean Baptiste RWIRANGIRA, the Director of Studies at Collège Immaculée Conception Save, emphasizes that the school is committed to nurturing students who are not only academically competent but also morally grounded and service-oriented. “You can see it in the way they carry themselves—their values, their discipline, and their strong foundation in Christian teachings,” he says. “We’ve consistently achieved 100 percent pass rates in national exams, with our students going on to universities around the world and building successful careers.”

He also highlights the school’s dedication to supporting vulnerable children from nearby communities. “We offer bursaries to those in need, and sometimes we even pool our own resources as teachers. Our students also contribute through their clubs—it’s part of our mission to serve and uplift the community around us.”

Over the years, Collège Immaculée Conception Save has expanded its reach to more students. The school offers a variety of sections, including Accounting, Science, Technology, and other specialized fields. Sister Marie Catherine KAZIBERA further explained that the school’s expansion was aimed at providing students with diverse academic opportunities and preparing them for various career paths. As the school grew, it continued to emphasize its commitment to academic excellence.

Many graduates from the school have gone on to pursue higher education, often with scholarships earned through academic excellence. The school also actively partners with the local community, neighboring schools, and the government.

Sr.Marie Catherine KAZIBERA expresses heartfelt appreciation for the support received: “We are deeply grateful to our partners, the Government of Rwanda and Gisagara District for their unwavering support. Their role has been vital in helping us provide a quality education that upholds both academic and moral standards.”

As it looks ahead, Collège Immaculée Conception Save is ready to continue its mission— educating, inspiring, and shaping future generations.