Every day, girls face barriers to education caused by poverty, cultural norms and practices, poor infrastructure, violence and fragility.  According to the World Bank, giving girls access to schooling is a central part of eradicating global poverty.  

Rwanda Girls Initiative (RGI) was founded in 2008 by co-founders Suzanne “Soozi’ Sinegal McGill and Shalisan “Shal” Foster who had a vision of providing education to girls for whom it was not easily accessible.  After a fact-finding trip to Rwanda, they recognized that education is one of the most critical areas of empowerment for women.  However, in Rwanda only 16% of girls graduate from high school and only 2% go to college.  

In collaboration with the community and Rwanda’s leadership, RGI established an upper-secondary STEM boarding school, Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology (GGAST), that removes the many barriers to education that girls’ face around the globe.   Our doors opened in 2011 and we are proud to have become a model for girls’ education for Sub-Saharan Africa. 

RGI believes when you give a girl the opportunity of an education –without obstacles—the result will be an empowered young woman who will confidently use her gifts to make a difference in her community, country and the world.   Today Gashora Girls Academy has become part of the fabric of the Rwandan culture and economy and is focused on empowering the country’s next generation of leaders.  We support an environment of academic excellence, ensuring that graduates will become inspired young leaders filled with confidence, a love of learning and a sense of economic empowerment to strengthen their communities and foster Rwanda’s growth. 

To date we have graduated 621 students; future scientists, entrepreneurs, advocates and thought leaders, who will bring insights and solutions to the biggest global challenges we face.  GGAST alumnae continue their education at exemplary universities around the globe where they receive a diverse education in preparation to return to Rwanda and help lead and transform the nation and bring solutions to 21st century problems. 

To educate and empower girls of Rwanda to reach their highest potential.

We believe access to education is the fundamental right for all and not just a privilege for those who can afford it. Our aim is to provide a world class secondary school education for girls in Rwanda, empowering the girls to achieve full agency in a boarding school environment. We have developed and will continue to develop a community of learners, which includes students, teachers, and parents.

Board Members

Suzanne Sinegal McGill, Co-Founder and Board President

Thien-Di Do, Vice President and Secretary

Lindsay Beck

Nichole Heidrick

Larissa Kaze

Kimberly Mecham

Edward Taylor